Kinetic energy of two protons to create a meson?

In summary, kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion, and it plays a crucial role in the creation of a meson. When two protons come in close proximity, their kinetic energy allows them to interact through the strong nuclear force and form a bound state known as a meson. The amount of kinetic energy required for this process depends on factors such as the mass of the protons, their initial velocity, and the distance between them. By manipulating the kinetic energy, different types of mesons can be created.
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Homework Statement


This one stumped me a little
Two protons are heading toward each other with equal speeds.
What minimum kinetic energy must each have if a ∏2 meson is to be created in the process?

Homework Equations


E=mc2
p+p→p+p+∏2
E=Ek-mc2 ? not sure if I got this right or even useful

The Attempt at a Solution



E=mc2
=135MeV
=135x106x1.6x10-19
=2.16x10-11
 
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  • #2
actually I worked it out, it was correct, they just wanted it in MeV
 

Related to Kinetic energy of two protons to create a meson?

1. What is kinetic energy?

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. It is calculated by multiplying the mass of the object by the square of its velocity and dividing by 2.

2. How do two protons create a meson?

When two protons come in close proximity to each other, they can interact through the strong nuclear force to form a bound state known as a meson. This process involves the exchange of gluons between the protons, resulting in the creation of a meson.

3. What is the role of kinetic energy in the creation of a meson?

The kinetic energy of the two protons is essential in the creation of a meson. As the protons move towards each other, their kinetic energy increases, allowing them to overcome the repulsive force between them and interact through the strong nuclear force to form a meson.

4. What factors affect the amount of kinetic energy needed to create a meson?

The amount of kinetic energy required to create a meson depends on the mass of the protons, their initial velocity, and the distance between them. Generally, the larger the mass of the protons and the closer they are to each other, the higher the kinetic energy needed to create a meson.

5. Can the kinetic energy of two protons be manipulated to create different types of mesons?

Yes, the kinetic energy of two protons can be manipulated to create different types of mesons. This can be achieved by varying the initial velocity of the protons or the distance between them. Different types of mesons have different energy requirements, so manipulating the kinetic energy allows for the creation of specific types of mesons.

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