Solving 4-Momentum Problem: Determining Threshold for Triplet Production

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In summary, the conversation discusses the topic of conservation of 4-momentum and the difficulty in understanding it. The problem at hand is determining the threshold for triplet production from a photon and an electron using 4-momentum conservation, with the correct answer being 4m0c^2. The individual has attempted to solve the problem by equating the initial energy to the energy after collision, but this does not yield the correct result and does not use 4-momentum conservation. The individual is seeking help in identifying their mistake or missing step in solving the problem. The question being addressed is "Show the threshold for triplet production is 4m0c^2 using the concept of conservation of 4-momentum."
  • #1
coregis
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I'm having trouble understanding conservation of 4-momentum. My problem is about dertermining the threshold for triplet production from a photon and an electron using 4-momentum conservation. The answer is 4m0c^2. So far, I say the initial energy is:

E1^2=(pc)^2 + (m0c^2)^2=(hv)^2+(m0c^2)^2

At threshold energy after collision, three particles with no momentum are produced, so

E2^2=(3m0c^2)

E1=E2, but substituting and solving for hv does not work out correctly, and I have not used 4-momentum at all anyhow. What am I doing wrong/forgetting? Help!
 
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  • #2
It might help to know what the question actually asks.
 
  • #3
David said:
It might help to know what the question actually asks.
verbatim- "Show the threshold for triplet production is 4m0c^2 using the concept of conservation of 4-momentum." Sorry for the paraphrase.
 
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1. What is the concept of 4-momentum in physics?

4-momentum is a physical quantity that combines both the energy and momentum of a particle. It is a four-dimensional vector, with its components being the energy and the three components of momentum. It is commonly used in high energy physics to describe the behavior of particles.

2. How is the threshold for triplet production determined?

The threshold for triplet production is determined by using the conservation of energy and momentum. The total energy and momentum of the incoming particles are compared with the total energy and momentum of the outgoing particles. The threshold is reached when the total energy and momentum of the incoming particles are equal to the total energy and momentum of the outgoing particles.

3. What is the significance of the triplet production threshold?

The triplet production threshold is significant because it marks the minimum energy required for the creation of a particle-antiparticle pair from a single particle. This process is important in understanding the behavior of high energy particles and is also used in particle accelerators to study the properties of particles.

4. How is the triplet production threshold used in particle physics experiments?

The triplet production threshold is an important factor in designing and analyzing particle physics experiments. By knowing the threshold, scientists can determine the minimum energy needed to produce certain particles and can also use it to study the properties of these particles. This information is crucial in understanding the fundamental building blocks of the universe.

5. Can the triplet production threshold be calculated exactly?

No, the triplet production threshold cannot be calculated exactly. It is dependent on several factors such as the mass and energy of the incoming particles, the type of interaction, and the experimental setup. However, it can be approximated using the principles of conservation of energy and momentum.

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