Solve Relativistic Collision: Homework Eqs & Attempts

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In summary, the problem involves a particle traveling along the positive x-axis with speed 0.5c and decaying into two identical particles, both of which continue to travel on the x-axis. Part (a) asks to find the speed of either b particle in the rest frame of particle a, given that ma=2.5mb. Part (b) asks to find the velocities of the two b particles in the original frame S by making the necessary transformation on the result of part (a). The equations used to solve the problem are β=pc/E, p*p=-(mc)^2, and E^2=(mc^2)^2 +(pc)^2. The solution involves finding the initial momentum and using the in
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mexicanrebel
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Homework Statement



A particle a traveling along the positive x-axis of frame S with speed 0.5c decays into two identical particles, a--->b+b, both of which continue to travel on the x axis. (a) Given that ma=2.5mb, find the speed of either b particle in the rest frame of particle a. (b) By making the necessary transformation on the result of part (a), find the velocities of the two b particles in the original frame S.

Homework Equations



β=pc/E, p*p=-(mc)^2, E^2=(mc^2)^2 +(pc)2

The Attempt at a Solution


I think the initial momentum in the rest frame should look like pi'=γ^2*ma*c(0,0,0,1-(V^2/C^2))
Which can then be re-written as pi'=(0,0,0,ma*c). Which seems to make sense considering it says that the four momentum of object a in a's rest frame has a value of 0 for the normal 3 momentum and that the fourth time value is m*c.
I think you should then find the speed of a "b" particle in the rest frame of a, I would think by using the invarience of momentum. That is that pi*pi=pf*pf, which should allow you to solve for the speed of b in the rest frame of a. But I'm not sure If I am approaching the problem right and how to proceed from what I think I am doing right. Help would be appreciated as the book seems to offer one example that feels quite different.
 
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Still stuck; not sure if I am lacking in understanding some of the equations and properties of what's being described or if I am missing some small obvious step or fact that will allow for one to find the solution.
 
  • #3
What's the energy of one of the b particles in the rest frame of a?
 

FAQ: Solve Relativistic Collision: Homework Eqs & Attempts

What is the equation used to solve relativistic collisions?

The equation used to solve relativistic collisions is the conservation of momentum equation, which states that the total momentum before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision.

How do you determine the velocity of an object after a relativistic collision?

The velocity of an object after a relativistic collision can be determined by using the conservation of energy equation, which states that the total energy before the collision is equal to the total energy after the collision.

What is the difference between a relativistic and non-relativistic collision?

In a relativistic collision, the velocities of the objects involved are close to the speed of light, which means that the effects of special relativity must be taken into account. In a non-relativistic collision, the velocities are much smaller and the effects of special relativity can be neglected.

What are the units used for solving relativistic collisions?

The units used for solving relativistic collisions are usually meters (m) for distance, kilograms (kg) for mass, and meters per second (m/s) for velocity. However, depending on the specific problem, other units such as joules (J) for energy or newtons (N) for force may also be used.

How can I check if my answer to a relativistic collision problem is correct?

You can check if your answer to a relativistic collision problem is correct by using the conservation of momentum and energy equations to ensure that the total momentum and energy before the collision are equal to the total momentum and energy after the collision. Additionally, you can also use basic principles of physics, such as the law of conservation of energy, to verify your answer.

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