CM energy for different mass/energy beams

In summary, CM energy is the total energy of a system in its center-of-mass frame and is important in particle physics because it determines the maximum energy available for particle collisions. It can be calculated using the equation E = m*c^2 and affects the behavior of particles in collisions by allowing for the production of new particles and observation of rare processes. Particle accelerators are used to increase CM energy, but there are limitations due to technical capabilities, stability of particle beams, and physical limitations of particles. Achieving high CM energies can also be difficult and expensive due to the exponential increase in energy required for collisions.
  • #1
penguindecay
26
0
Dear Particle Physicist,

I'm unable to find an equation for the CM energy to use for when colliding beams have different masses and energies, for example the HERA colliding electron beams with proton beams. If you know a website, and can write the equation I'd be grateful. Thanks in advance
 
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  • #2
Just use E2- p2 = m2.
 
  • #3

Related to CM energy for different mass/energy beams

1. What is CM energy and why is it important in particle physics?

CM energy, or center-of-mass energy, is the total energy of a system in its center-of-mass frame. In particle physics, it is important because it determines the maximum energy available for particle collisions and therefore affects the production of new particles and the observation of new phenomena.

2. How is CM energy calculated for different mass/energy beams?

CM energy can be calculated using the equation E = m*c^2, where E is energy, m is mass, and c is the speed of light. For different mass/energy beams, the masses of the particles involved are used to calculate the total energy.

3. How does the CM energy affect the behavior of particles in collisions?

The CM energy affects the behavior of particles in collisions by determining the maximum energy available for the creation of new particles. Higher CM energies can result in the production of heavier particles and allow for the observation of rare processes.

4. What is the relationship between CM energy and particle accelerators?

Particle accelerators are used to increase the energy of particles and therefore increase the CM energy in collisions. The higher the energy of the particles, the higher the CM energy and the potential for new particle production.

5. Are there any limitations to achieving high CM energies in particle collisions?

Yes, there are limitations to achieving high CM energies in particle collisions. These limitations include the technical capabilities of particle accelerators, the stability and precision of the particle beams, and the physical limitations of the particles themselves. Additionally, the energy required for particle collisions increases exponentially with the desired CM energy, making it increasingly difficult and expensive to achieve higher energies.

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