Can Protons Decay at High Speeds without Colliding?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the question of whether protons can decay into smaller particles when accelerated to high speeds without colliding with another proton. The scope includes theoretical considerations of particle physics and the implications of relativistic effects on particle stability.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if a proton would decay into smaller particles when accelerated to high speeds without collisions.
  • Another participant asserts that the laws of physics remain consistent across inertial frames, suggesting that acceleration alone does not lead to decay.
  • A follow-up inquiry seeks clarification on whether simply accelerating a proton affects its stability or decay properties.
  • One participant proposes that higher speeds might increase the lifetime of a proton, contingent on the assumption that protons can decay at all.
  • A response indicates that even if protons do decay, their long lifetimes mean that such decays would not be observable in particle accelerators.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that acceleration does not lead to proton decay, but there are differing views on the implications of speed on proton lifetime and the existence of proton decay itself. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the conditions under which proton decay might occur.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of proton decay and its dependence on relativistic effects, which are not fully explored or defined. The potential for proton decay is acknowledged but remains speculative.

sqljunkey
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Would a proton decay into smaller particles if you accelerate it into higher speeds without colliding it into another proton?
 
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No.
How could it? The laws of physics are the same in every inertial frame. There is nothing special about our laboratory frame. In its rest frame it is simply a proton just as before.

There could be proton decay, of course, but I guess that's not what your question is about - if it exists it applies to all protons.
 
I see. Just to make sure I understand fully, the simple process of accelerating a proton has no decaying effects on it?
 
Wouldn't the higher speed increase the lifetime of the proton?
 
In our lab frame, and assuming protons decay at all: Sure. Not that it matters, their lifetime is so long that we won't see a decay in accelerators anyway.
 

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