Relativistic Thermodynamics: A Modern 4-Vector Approach

Figure 1

An atom (A)—self-contained structure—is obtained from a nucleus (N), previously assembled from protons (p) and neutrons (n), and an ensemble of electrons (e). Nucleus inertia ℳ_N=𝑈_N𝑐⁻² decreases respect the inertia of its elementary particle components 𝒰_N=6𝑚_𝑝+4𝑚_n, due to the energy 𝑈_N−𝒰_N=−𝑈_N=−8ℎ𝜈′ released in its formation. Atom inertia ℳ_A=𝑈_A𝑐⁻² decreases with respect to the inertia of its component nucleus and electrons 𝒰_A=6𝑚_e+ℳ_N due to the energy 𝑈_A−𝒰_A=−𝑈_A=−8ℎ𝜈 released in its formation.