Verifying Conservation of Energy and Momentum for γ + p → Δ+ → πo + p

In summary, the conversation discusses the process of a photon being excited into a Δ+ particle and then decaying into a pion and a proton. The laws of conservation of energy and momentum are applied to demonstrate that the peak photon energy of 0.34 GeV is consistent with the mass of the Δ+ particle, which is 1.23 GeV. The equation used to calculate the rest energy is Mc^2, and it is assumed that all the momentum from the photon is transferred to the Δ+ particle. In the rest frame, the pion and proton have the same momentum but different energy and velocity. Finally, the equation E' = sqrt(M2c4 + p'2c2) is used to show
  • #1
Liquidxlax
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Homework Statement



γ + p → Δ+ → πo + p

incident photon with energy 0.34 GeV excites a photon into Δ+ which decays into πo + p

Write down and apply the laws of conservation of energy and momentum to show taht the peak photon energy of 0.34 GeV is consistent with Δ+ mass of 1.23 GeV

Homework Equations



four momentum [E,p]

The Attempt at a Solution



just wondering what to start with exactly after writing down the equations.

M = 938.727MeV/c^2
so the rest energy is just Mc^2 with 0 momentum for the intial proton

do I assume that all the momentum from the photon is transferred to the Δ+ because the photon does not show up in the final state?

In the rest frame the pion and proton are ejected at 180 degrees from each other and have the same momentum, but not energy or velocity?

so

p' = 0.34/2c = γMv where gamma here is 1/sqrt(1-β2) and v is the velocity of the proton
 
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  • #2
in the lab frame?then E' = sqrt(M2c4 + p'2c2) = 1.23GeVbut then how do I show that the peak photon energy of 0.34 GeV is consistent with this?
 

Related to Verifying Conservation of Energy and Momentum for γ + p → Δ+ → πo + p

1. What is the conservation of energy and momentum?

The conservation of energy and momentum is a fundamental principle in physics that states that the total amount of energy and momentum in a closed system will remain constant over time. This means that energy and momentum can be transferred between objects within the system, but the total amount will always remain the same.

2. How is the conservation of energy and momentum verified in the process γ + p → Δ+ → πo + p?

In this process, energy and momentum are conserved through the interactions between the incoming gamma (γ) particle and the proton (p) to produce a delta (Δ+) particle. This delta particle then decays into a neutral pion (πo) and a proton (p), while still conserving energy and momentum.

3. Why is it important to verify the conservation of energy and momentum?

Verifying the conservation of energy and momentum is crucial in understanding and predicting the behavior of physical systems. It allows scientists to make accurate calculations and predictions about the interactions and transformations of energy and momentum within a system.

4. How is the conservation of energy and momentum verified experimentally?

The conservation of energy and momentum can be verified experimentally by measuring the energy and momentum of the initial and final particles in a given process. If the total energy and momentum before and after the interaction are found to be equal, then the conservation of energy and momentum has been successfully verified.

5. Are there any exceptions to the conservation of energy and momentum?

In classical physics, the conservation of energy and momentum is considered an absolute law. However, in quantum mechanics, there is some evidence of exceptions to this law, such as in nuclear reactions or at the subatomic level. These exceptions are still being studied and are not fully understood at this time.

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