D meson decay and invariant mass

In summary, the conversation is discussing the calculation of the invariant mass of a D meson from its decay into a pi and K particle. The formula for calculating the invariant mass is given, but there is a flaw in understanding regarding the input of numerical data for the energy values of the pi and K particles. The summary concludes by stating that help is needed to understand the flaw.
  • #1
Narlok
1
0
Considering a D0->π+K- where the D meson decays from rest.

If one was to want to calculate the invariant mass of the D meson by measuring the momenta of the pion and kaon, following from conservation of momentum:

m2=(Eπ+EK)2-(pπ+pK)2

However by inputting numerical data
Eπ=137MeV
EK=493MeV
ED=1865MeV

As such, since p2 is some positive quantity it can only reduce the invariant mass, and as the D meson started at rest the invariant mass should be equal to the rest mass:

(137+493)2<<18652

Clearly there is a flaw in my understanding, I'm simply not sure where, and any help would be highly appreciated.
 
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  • #2
Narlok said:
However by inputting numerical data
Eπ=137MeV
EK=493MeV
These are the masses of the pi and K, not their energies.
 

1. What is a D meson and why is it important in particle physics?

A D meson is a type of subatomic particle that is composed of a charm quark and an up or down antiquark. It is important in particle physics because it is one of the fundamental particles that make up the Standard Model of particle physics, and its properties can help us understand the fundamental forces and interactions in the universe.

2. What is the decay process of a D meson and how is it related to invariant mass?

The decay process of a D meson involves the transformation of the charm quark into a lighter quark, such as a strange or down quark, and the release of energy in the form of other particles. The invariant mass is a measure of the total energy of the particles produced in the decay, and it remains constant regardless of the reference frame in which it is measured.

3. Why is the invariant mass of a D meson important in understanding its decay?

The invariant mass of a D meson is important because it allows us to identify the particles produced in its decay and understand the underlying physics principles that govern the decay process. By measuring the invariant mass, we can determine the types and properties of the particles produced, which provides insight into the fundamental interactions at play.

4. How is the invariant mass of a D meson experimentally determined?

The invariant mass of a D meson is determined through the use of particle detectors, such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. These detectors measure the energies and momenta of the decay particles and use this information to calculate the invariant mass. The data is then analyzed using statistical methods to determine the most likely value for the invariant mass.

5. What can the study of D meson decay and invariant mass tell us about the universe?

The study of D meson decay and invariant mass can tell us about the fundamental forces and interactions in the universe. By analyzing the properties of D mesons and their decay products, scientists can gain insight into the nature of matter and energy, and how they interact at the subatomic level. This research can also help us better understand the origin and evolution of the universe.

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