How does this formula relate to particle creation?

In summary, the formula relates to particle creation by calculating the energy needed for a particle to be created from a vacuum. This calculation takes into account the mass and spin of the particle, as well as the properties of the vacuum. By using this formula, scientists can better understand the process of particle creation and its implications in various fields, such as quantum mechanics and cosmology.
  • #1
AbsoluteZer0
125
1
Hi,

ΔEΔt ≥[itex]\frac{h}{4\pi}[/itex]

How does this formula relate to particle creation? I understand that it is relevant to the uncertainty principle, but that is essentially all that I am aware of. Does this formula indicate that when a particle with energy 'E' exists for time 't' it then decays?

Thanks,
 
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  • #2
Both are related to quantum physics, but I don't see a direct relation between particle creation and this uncertainty relation.
For short-living particles, the uncertainty relation gives them a natural width in their mass.
 
  • #3
What this formula means is that if a particle only exists for a short time ##\Delta t##, then its energy is necessarily uncertain by an amount ##\Delta E = h / 4 \pi \Delta t##. For example, the mass of the rho meson is nominally 770 MeV. However, the rho meson is extremely short-lived: ##\Delta t \approx 4 \times 10^{-24}## seconds, so we actually observe rho mesons with a range of masses, with the extent of that range being about ##\Delta E = 145## MeV. So it wouldn't be uncommon to observe a rho meson with mass 700 MeV, for instance.See http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/quantum/parlif.html
 

1. How does this formula relate to particle creation?

The formula in question is the famous Einstein's equation, E=mc². This equation shows the relationship between energy (E), mass (m), and the speed of light (c). It explains that energy can be converted into mass and vice versa. In the context of particle creation, this formula suggests that particles can be created from energy, as seen in particle accelerators where high energy collisions can produce new particles.

2. Can this formula be used to create particles in everyday life?

No, this formula is not applicable in our everyday lives. The energy and conditions required to create particles are not attainable in our daily activities. Particle creation is usually achieved in high-energy experiments or natural phenomena, such as cosmic rays hitting the Earth's atmosphere.

3. How does this formula relate to the concept of conservation of energy?

The conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. This concept is in line with the formula E=mc², as it shows that energy and mass are interchangeable. Therefore, the total amount of energy remains constant, even during particle creation processes.

4. Is this formula related to the theory of relativity?

Yes, this formula is an integral part of Einstein's theory of relativity. It is derived from the special theory of relativity, which explains the relationship between space, time, and the speed of light. The concept of mass-energy equivalence, expressed in E=mc², is a fundamental principle of the theory of relativity.

5. Can this formula be applied to all particles?

Yes, this formula applies to all particles, including subatomic particles like electrons and protons, as well as massive particles like atoms and molecules. It is a universal formula that describes the relationship between energy and mass for all particles. However, the amount of energy required to create different particles may vary depending on their mass and properties.

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