Interpretation of a cross section vs energy graph

In summary, a cross section vs energy graph is a plot that shows the relationship between the energy of particles or systems and their cross section, which is a measure of their probability of interacting with other particles or systems. This graph is important for understanding particle behavior at different energy levels and provides valuable information for theoretical models and experimental designs. It can represent various types of particles, including elementary and composite particles, and is created by collecting data and plotting the cross section values for different energy levels. A cross section vs energy graph can reveal information about particle structure, interactions, energy thresholds, and patterns, aiding in the understanding of fundamental physical processes.
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rpthomps
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Hello. I am reading DeAngelis - Introduction to particle and astroparticle physics and I have come across a plot showing proton proton cross section vs energy. I am trying to reconcile the statement in the book that says cross section total = cross section elastic whenever there is no available energy to create new particles. Does this happen at 1 GeV on the graph? Am I to assume new additional particles are being created after a 1GeV collision?

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Yes.
 
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FAQ: Interpretation of a cross section vs energy graph

What is a cross section vs energy graph?

A cross section vs energy graph is a graphical representation of how the probability of a particle interaction changes as the energy of the particle increases.

How is a cross section vs energy graph interpreted?

The cross section vs energy graph is interpreted by looking at the shape and trends of the graph. The height of the graph represents the probability of a particle interaction, with higher points indicating a higher probability. The shape of the graph can also provide information about the type of interaction occurring.

What factors can affect the shape of a cross section vs energy graph?

The shape of a cross section vs energy graph can be affected by various factors such as the type of particle, the type of interaction, and the material being interacted with. Other factors such as the energy of the particle and the angle of incidence can also impact the shape of the graph.

How is energy related to the cross section in a cross section vs energy graph?

In a cross section vs energy graph, the energy of the particle is plotted on the x-axis while the cross section is plotted on the y-axis. As the energy of the particle increases, the cross section may also increase or decrease depending on the type of interaction being measured.

What information can be obtained from a cross section vs energy graph?

A cross section vs energy graph can provide valuable information about the probability and types of particle interactions that occur at different energies. It can also help in understanding the properties of particles and materials being studied, as well as informing the design of experiments and technologies in various fields such as nuclear physics and materials science.

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