Mass conservation in meson theory

In summary, in the Meson theory of nuclear forces, the exchange of pi meson plays a role in the process of n\rightarrow n + \pi^{0}, p\rightarrow p + \pi^{0}, n\rightarrow p + \pi^{-}, and p\rightarrow n + \pi^{+}, where charge is conserved. While mass is not conserved in this process, energy is, as the incident particle must have enough energy to emit the pion. In the pion-exchange model, the pions are virtual and can temporarily violate energy conservation during the exchange process, but the total energy of the nucleons before and after the exchange remains the same. The mass of the pion is estimated based on
  • #1
Reshma
749
6
In the Meson theory of nuclear forces, exchange of pi meson is given by:

[tex]n\rightarrow n + \pi^{0}[/tex]
[tex]p\rightarrow p + \pi^{0}[/tex]
[tex]n\rightarrow p + \pi^{-}[/tex]
[tex]p\rightarrow n + \pi^{+}[/tex]

Here the charge is conserved. But I don't understand how mass conservation takes place as in some of the cases a lighter mass gives rise to a heavier mass as in case of protons giving rise to neutons. So how is mass conservation obeyed here and mass of pion is estimated?
 
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  • #2
Mass conservation? Total energy must be conserved, but mass is not. The incident particle (or original particle) must have some energy available (say through kinetic energy) to emit the pion.
Make sense?
Cheers,
Ryan
 
  • #3
Hi Ryan, thank you for replying. So the energy is conserved here. However, pions do have mass. How is this mass estimated?
 
  • #4
Reshma said:
Hi Ryan, thank you for replying. So the energy is conserved here. However, pions do have mass. How is this mass estimated?


How about this one ?

marlon
 
  • #5
In the pion-exchange model, aren't the pions virtual instead of real? If they're virtual, they can temporarily violate energy conservation during the exchange process; but the total energy of the two nucleons before the exchange equals their total energy after the exchange.
 

1. What is mass conservation in meson theory?

Mass conservation in meson theory is a fundamental principle that states that the total mass of a system remains constant, even when the system undergoes changes or interactions. This applies to both particles and their antiparticles.

2. Why is mass conservation important in meson theory?

Mass conservation is important in meson theory because it helps to explain the behavior of subatomic particles and their interactions. It also serves as a foundational principle in the development of mathematical models and equations that accurately describe these particles and their properties.

3. How is mass conservation related to energy conservation?

Mass and energy are related through Einstein's famous equation, E=mc^2. This means that mass can be converted into energy and vice versa. Therefore, in meson theory, mass conservation is closely linked to energy conservation, as any changes in mass during interactions will also result in changes in energy.

4. Are there any exceptions to mass conservation in meson theory?

There are some cases where mass conservation may not hold true in meson theory, such as in the decay of unstable particles. In these cases, the total mass of the system may decrease, but this is due to the conversion of mass into other forms of energy, such as kinetic energy or radiation.

5. How is mass conservation experimentally verified in meson theory?

Mass conservation in meson theory has been experimentally verified through numerous high-energy particle collisions and interactions. These experiments have consistently shown that the total mass of the system remains constant, providing strong evidence for the principle of mass conservation in meson theory.

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