Calculating Pion Desintegration Angle & Energy

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a pion moving at relativistic speed (0.98c) that desintegrates into two photons. The goal is to determine the angle and energy of the resulting photons, given the pion's mass of 135 Mev/c².

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply conservation of energy and momentum but expresses confusion regarding the relevance of certain equations, particularly in relation to photons and their lack of mass.
  • Some participants question the relevance of the equations provided and seek clarification on how they relate to the conservation principles being applied.
  • Others suggest considering the energy-momentum relationship as a potential approach to the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different equations and their applicability to the problem. There is no explicit consensus on the best approach yet, but some guidance has been offered regarding relevant equations.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of relativistic physics, particularly the implications of massless particles like photons in conservation laws. There may be constraints related to the specific equations and concepts covered in their studies.

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Homework Statement


A pion that is moving at 0.98c, desintegrates producing two photons that form both of them the same angle with the direction of the initial pion. Find the angle and the energy for the photons. (Pion mass: 135 Mev/c2)


Homework Equations



E = K + m0c2

The Attempt at a Solution



I've found that the energy for the pion is 678,4 Mev. Now if I apply the conservation of energy, (or conservation of momentun), I'm confused, because a photon has no mass, right?

Thanks
 
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Why do you think that equation is relevant? (It's true - but why is it relevant?)
 
Vanadium 50 said:
Why do you think that equation is relevant? (It's true - but why is it relevant?)

I think that provides the expressionn for the energy for each particle, that wiould be necessary for the conservation of energy. Is that correct?
 
It's not relevant.

What other equations have you been studying recently?
 
Vanadium 50 said:
It's not relevant.

What other equations have you been studying recently?

relativistic momentum p = γm0v

Kinetic energy K = m0c22-1)

Equation energy - momentum E2-(cp)2 = (m0c2)2

and I think that's all
 
OK, so which of these might help?
 
Vanadium 50 said:
OK, so which of these might help?

Uhm, maybe Equation energy - momentum? Ut can be a problem to be solved with the conservation of momentum/energy...
 

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