Calculating Arrival Time Difference for Particles Produced in a Distant Galaxy

  • Thread starter babtridge
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In summary, a student is struggling with a question related to a particle and a photon being produced simultaneously in a distant galaxy. They wonder if the energy for the photon is necessary information, as it travels at the speed of light. Other individuals chime in with helpful information, including the use of the relativistic formula for energy and the gamma factor to determine the velocity. Ultimately, it is determined that the photon's energy is not relevant and it will arrive at the same time as the particle, approximately 150,000 years later.
  • #1
babtridge
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Maybe its because my exams are close and I'm starting to panic but there is a question that has been bustin' my balls all day and was hoping any of you could help...

A particle with mass 10eV and a photon are produced simultaneously in a galaxy 150,000 light yrs away. The energy for both particles is 10MeV. Estimate the difference in arrival time between the particles.

My question really is: Is the energy for the photon a red herring because surely this travels at speed c and you don't need this info?!

Thanks in advance people cleverer than me
 
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  • #2
So the photon has 10MeV (ignoring GR effects),and that is not a useful piece of information.It should arrive in exactly 150,000 years.

What about the electron...?The time that is needed is in the Earth's reference frame...

Daniel.
 
  • #3
you are going to need the relativistic formula for energy. you know, the Einstein-formula(E² =p²c² + m²c^4). Also be sure to know wether the given mass is restmass or not...

For a photon E =pc since the restmass is ZERO

marlon
 
  • #4
You needn't momentum & stuff.

The gamma factor is 1000.That should give you the velocity,which is all u need.

Daniel.
 
  • #5
cheers for your help guys.
Once again much appreciated
 
  • #6
dextercioby said: "The gamma factor is 1000."

How do you get that?
 

FAQ: Calculating Arrival Time Difference for Particles Produced in a Distant Galaxy

What is relativity?

Relativity is a theory in physics that explains the behavior of objects in space and time. It was first introduced by Albert Einstein in the early 20th century and has been extensively tested and proven to be accurate.

Why is relativity important?

Relativity is important because it has revolutionized our understanding of the universe and has helped us develop technologies such as GPS and nuclear energy. It also provides a more accurate framework for understanding gravity and the motion of objects in space.

What is the difference between special relativity and general relativity?

Special relativity deals with the behavior of objects moving at constant speeds, while general relativity takes into account the effects of gravity on objects in motion. General relativity is a more comprehensive theory that includes special relativity as a special case.

Can you give an example of how relativity affects our daily lives?

One example is the GPS technology that we use in our smartphones and navigation systems. GPS relies on the precise timing of signals from satellites, and without the application of relativity, the system would not function accurately.

Is relativity still a relevant theory today?

Yes, relativity is still a relevant and widely accepted theory in modern physics. It continues to be tested and applied in various fields, and its predictions have been confirmed by numerous experiments. It is considered one of the pillars of modern physics.

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