What Is the Minimum Energy Required for e + p -> Neutrino + Neutron?

In summary, the problem is asking for the minimum energy required for the process of e + p -> neutrino + neutron, under the assumptions that the proton has a much lower kinetic energy than its rest mass and that the neutrino's energy is close to zero. The suggested approach is to use conservation of energy and momentum, but the exact kinetic energies of the proton and electron are unknown. One possible solution is to consider the electric force between the particles, but this may not be applicable in introductory physics.
  • #1
shahar weiss
17
0

Homework Statement



Im being asked what is the minimum energy requiered for the process
e + p -> nutrino + nutron
assumptions are: 1. Kinetic energy of proton is much lower from his rest
mass, not true for the electron.
2. border line case is when nutrino energy is close to zero.



Homework Equations


energy and momentum conservation, pc = sqrt(E^2 - m0^2*c^4) ?


The Attempt at a Solution



i should use energy and momentum conservation but i have no idea how to
do that since i don't know what are the kinetic energies of the
proton and electron.
thank you for any help avaiable
 
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  • #2
You could attempt to figure out the minimum initial kinetic energy needed for the electron to overcome the repulsive force of the proton...think of it as an electric version of the escape velocity question in gravitation.

Edit: I just noticed this is in the introductory physics section...so there is probably a simpler solution to this problem...I'll give it a little more thought.
 
  • #3
since they are opposite in charge there would be a pulling force and not repulsive
 

Related to What Is the Minimum Energy Required for e + p -> Neutrino + Neutron?

1. What is the electron-proton interaction?

The electron-proton interaction is the fundamental force of attraction between an electron and a proton, which are two of the three subatomic particles that make up an atom. This interaction is mediated by the exchange of photons, or particles of light, and is responsible for holding the atom together.

2. How does the electron-proton interaction affect the properties of an atom?

The strength of the electron-proton interaction determines the size of an atom, as well as its chemical and physical properties. For example, the number of protons in the nucleus, which determines the strength of the electron-proton interaction, determines the element and its position on the periodic table.

3. What is the role of the electron-proton interaction in chemical bonding?

The electron-proton interaction is responsible for the formation of chemical bonds between atoms. In covalent bonds, electrons are shared between atoms due to the attractive force between the positive nucleus and the negative electrons. In ionic bonds, the electron-proton interaction causes electrons to be transferred from one atom to another, creating ions that are held together by the resulting electrostatic force.

4. How does the strength of the electron-proton interaction vary with distance?

The strength of the electron-proton interaction decreases as the distance between the electron and the proton increases. This is due to the inverse square law, which states that the force between two charged particles is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. As the electron moves farther away from the proton, the force of attraction decreases exponentially.

5. Is the electron-proton interaction the only force that affects atoms?

No, there are other fundamental forces at play in atoms, such as the strong nuclear force that holds the nucleus together and the weak nuclear force that is responsible for radioactive decay. However, the electron-proton interaction is the dominant force in determining the structure and properties of atoms.

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