Energy Conservation - Understand Mass & Reactions

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the principles of energy conservation in particle reactions, specifically addressing the relationship between mass and energy. The user seeks clarification on how to ensure energy conservation in the reaction p + p > p + n + e+ + ve, highlighting the need for additional particles to balance lepton and baryon numbers. The importance of conservation of four-momentum in Feynman diagrams is emphasized as a fundamental concept. Reference is made to D.J. Griffiths' "Introduction to Elementary Particles" for further reading on the topic.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of baryon number and lepton number conservation
  • Familiarity with electric charge conservation in particle physics
  • Basic knowledge of Feynman diagrams and their role in particle interactions
  • Awareness of mass-energy equivalence principles
NEXT STEPS
  • Study energy conservation in particle reactions using D.J. Griffiths' "Introduction to Elementary Particles"
  • Learn about conservation of four-momentum in Feynman diagrams
  • Explore the implications of mass differences in particle reactions
  • Research the role of neutrinos in particle interactions and energy balance
USEFUL FOR

Students and enthusiasts of particle physics, physicists studying energy conservation in reactions, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of mass and energy relationships in particle interactions.

r3za
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Hi,

I had a question about reactions. I actually know how the baryon number, the lepton number, and the electric charge conservation works for reactions, but what i do not understand is the energy conservation. I searched the whole web for it, but there was no page where I could understand the stuff.

i know that it has something to do with mass, that the mass of a neutron is higher than that of a proton.

For example: p + p > p + n ... i know that the electric charge is not correct, so I need a positron, but then the lepton number is not correct, so i need a ve.

>> p + p > p + n + e+ + ve ... but what about the energy, how can i find out if the energy conservation is oki, and what I have to add to make it work?

It would be really cool if someone could help me out here! :confused:
 
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Conservation of 4momentum in a Feynman diagram (scattering or decay process) is fundamental.

Read pages 72 pp.76 from D.J.Griffiths' "Introduction to elementary particles",Harper & Row,1987.

Daniel.
 

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