Breit Frame of reference ( Brick Wall )

In summary, the conversation is about understanding the concept of breit frame of reference and solving a problem related to elastic scattering. The problem involves finding the energy and direction of a particle in the breit frame, and the person asking for hints on how to approach this part of the problem. The conversation also mentions using the fact that in the breit frame, the before and after momenta are equal, and suggests considering the projections of the momenta along different directions to solve the problem.
  • #1
manofphysics
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Breit Frame of reference ("Brick Wall")

I am having a lot of trouble understanding breit frame of reference.I was trying to solve griffiths problem 3.21 (1st ed.):
Consider elastic scattering- A+B----->A+B If particle A carries energy E, and scatters at an angle theta in the CM,
a) what is it's energy in the breit frame
b)Find the direction and magnitude and direction of breit frame.

I did do the first part by using the fact that in breit frame, (p before)= -(p after) and using the invariant 4 vector dot product of energy-momentum.

I am flummoxed by the b part.Any hints will be greatly appreciated.
 
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  • #2


This is clearly a 2-dimensional problem (everything remains in one plane). Let us think about the problem without any calculation. Can you tell something about the projections of A momenta (before and after) along different directions ? Is there a special direction in which the projections are equal ? Is there another direction in which the projections are opposite ? What is the angle between those two special directions ?
 

1. What is the Breit Frame of Reference?

The Breit Frame of Reference, also known as the Brick Wall model, is a theoretical concept used in physics to explain the behavior of particles in a collision or interaction. It is named after physicist Gregory Breit and is often depicted as a rigid, impenetrable wall that particles must pass through.

2. How does the Breit Frame of Reference work?

In the Breit Frame of Reference, one particle is considered stationary while the other particle approaches it at high speeds. This allows for the calculation of the particles' relative velocities and the resulting energy and momentum of their collision.

3. What is the significance of the Brick Wall model in physics?

The Brick Wall model is significant in physics because it helps to simplify and visualize complex interactions between particles. It also allows for the prediction and understanding of particle collisions in different reference frames, which is essential in areas such as nuclear physics and particle accelerators.

4. How does the Breit Frame of Reference differ from other reference frames?

The Breit Frame of Reference differs from other reference frames, such as the center-of-mass frame, in that it focuses on the interaction between two particles rather than the overall motion of a system. It also takes into account the relativistic effects of high-speed collisions, which other reference frames may not consider.

5. Can the Brick Wall model be applied to all types of particle interactions?

The Breit Frame of Reference can be applied to interactions between any type of particles, as long as they behave according to the laws of classical mechanics. It is commonly used in the study of subatomic particles, but can also be applied to larger-scale collisions such as those in astrophysics.

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