A particle at rest decays into 2 particles

In summary, using conservation of energy and momentum, it can be shown that E1=((M^2+m1^2-m2^2)c^2)/(2M) for a particle at rest with mass M decaying into two particles with masses m1 and m2.
  • #1
ChronicApathy
1
0

Homework Statement


A particle at rest with mass M decays into 2 particles, one with mass m1 and the other with mass m2. Use conservation of energy and momentum to show that E1=((M^2+m1^2-m2^2)c^2)/(2M)

Homework Equations


E=√((p^2)(c^2)+(m^2)(c^4))=γmc^2
p=γmv

The Attempt at a Solution


Energy is conserved, so E0=E1+E2
The mass is initially at rest so E0=M(c^2)
E2=√((p2^2)(c^2)+(m2^2)(c^4))

So, I need to get
M(c^2)-√((p2^2)(c^2)+(m2^2)(c^4))
to look like
((M^2+m1^2-m2^2)c^2)/(2M)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
You need to use conservation of momentum as well.
 

Related to A particle at rest decays into 2 particles

1. What is a particle at rest?

A particle at rest is a particle that is not moving or has a constant velocity of zero. It has no kinetic energy and is at its lowest energy state.

2. What does it mean for a particle at rest to decay?

Decay is a process in which a particle transforms into one or more other particles. In the case of a particle at rest, it means that the particle breaks down into two or more particles.

3. How does a particle at rest decay into two particles?

A particle at rest can decay into two particles through a process called particle-antiparticle annihilation. This occurs when a particle and its corresponding antiparticle collide and their energy is converted into new particles.

4. What are the two particles that a particle at rest can decay into?

The two particles that a particle at rest can decay into can vary depending on the type of particle and its antiparticle. For example, an electron and a positron can be produced from the decay of a photon.

5. What factors can affect the decay of a particle at rest into two particles?

The decay of a particle at rest can be affected by various factors such as the type and energy of the particles involved, the environment in which the decay occurs, and the conservation laws of energy and momentum.

Similar threads

  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
753
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
926
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
682
Back
Top