How is Muon Speed Derived from Pion Decay Using Special Relativity?

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem statement involving the decay of a pion into a muon and neutrino. The goal is to use conservation of momentum and energy to solve for the speed of the muon, given that the pion is initially at rest and the neutrino has a mass approaching zero. The conversation includes equations and attempts at a solution, with the suggestion to use the fact that the total momentum of the muon and neutrino is zero to solve for the speed of the muon.
  • #1
abeboparebop
4
0
I'm not sure whether this should go in this forum or the Advanced forum, but here goes.

Homework Statement


Given:
A pion+ decays into muon+ and neutrino,
[tex]\pi^+ \rightarrow \mu^+ + \nu[/tex]
neutrino mass approaches zero, and
the pion is initially at rest.

Problem statement: Use conservation of momentum and energy to show that the speed of the muon is given by:

[tex]\frac{u}{c} = \frac{(m_\pi/m_\mu)^2 - 1}{(m_\pi/m_\mu)^2 + 1}[/tex]

Homework Equations


E_total = KE + rest energy = (gamma-1)m*c^2 + m*c^2 = gamma*m*c^2

[itex]E_t = (\gamma-1)mc^2 + mc^2 = \gamma mc^2[/itex]

[itex]p = \gamma mv[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I assume that the fact that pion is initially at rest, in combination with conservation of momentum, means that total momentum of the muon and neutrino is zero. Given that the neutrino mass ~ zero (as stated in the problem), it would seem that it's momentum is zero, therefore the momentum of the muon is zero, therefore the velocity of the muon is zero. This is obviously not the case, as the problem gives me an equation to solve towards.

I tried setting the mass energy of the pion equal to the total energy of the muon (mass energy plus kinetic energy), and solving for v/c, but I got an answer quite different from the stated solution. Is the problem here an algebra error or do I need to account somehow for the momentum of the neutrino?

Thanks for the help.
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Trying to figure out LaTeX... sorry it's transitionally ugly.
 
  • #3
after setting c=1 (for convenience) use the following to help establish the result
[tex]E_\nu = p_\nu[/tex]
[tex]E^2_\mu = p^2_\mu+m^2_\mu[/tex]
[tex]m_\pi=E_\pi = E_\mu+E_\nu[/tex]
[tex]p_\mu + p_\nu=0[/tex]

write everything in terms of [tex]E_\mu, p_\mu, m_\pi, m_\nu[/tex] and note that [tex]u=p_\mu/E_\mu[/tex].
 

FAQ: How is Muon Speed Derived from Pion Decay Using Special Relativity?

What is special relativity and how does it relate to pion decay?

Special relativity is a theory developed by Albert Einstein to explain the behavior of objects moving at high speeds. It states that space and time are relative and can change depending on the observer's frame of reference. In the case of pion decay, special relativity helps us understand how the decay process occurs and how the particles involved interact with each other.

What is pion decay and why is it important in particle physics?

Pion decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a pion, a subatomic particle, transforms into other particles. Pion decay is important in particle physics because it helps us understand the fundamental forces and interactions between particles, and it also provides evidence for the validity of special relativity.

What is the half-life of a pion and how is it related to special relativity?

The half-life of a pion is the time it takes for half of the particles in a sample to decay. The half-life is related to special relativity because the time dilation effect predicted by special relativity causes the half-life to appear longer for an observer moving at high speeds compared to an observer at rest.

How is energy and mass related in pion decay according to special relativity?

According to special relativity, energy and mass are equivalent and are related by the famous equation, E=mc^2. In pion decay, the mass of the pion is converted into energy in the form of other particles, in accordance with this equation.

What are some real-life applications of special relativity and pion decay?

Special relativity and pion decay have many real-life applications, including in the development of nuclear reactors, medical imaging techniques, and particle accelerators. They also play a crucial role in our understanding of the fundamental laws of the universe and have led to advancements in technology and medicine.

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