Collision of particles (relativity)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on a physics problem involving the annihilation of a positron and an electron to produce a top quark and an anti-top quark. The key task is to derive the minimum incident energy of the positron required for this reaction, utilizing the equation E^2 = P^2*m^2 + m^2*c^4. The contributor initially expresses confusion about applying the center of mass reference frame to solve the problem. Ultimately, the contributor resolves their confusion and requests to disregard their initial post. The thread highlights the importance of understanding relativistic energy and momentum in particle collisions.
Frillth
Messages
77
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



An incident positron (e+) with rest mass m_e and with energy E strikes an electron (e−) at rest, also with rest mass me. They annihilate such that the liberated energy produces a top quark (t) and an anti-top quark (ṯ), each with rest mass of m_t.

Find an expression for the minimum incident energy E of the positron that will allow this reaction to happen.

Homework Equations



E^2 = P^2*m^2 + m^2*c^4

The Attempt at a Solution



I know I'm supposed to use the center of mass reference frame somehow, but I don't really have any idea how that helps. Can somebody please point me in the right direction?

Edit: I got it. Please ignore this post.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Just responding to "un-blue" this post in the list of threads.
 

Thread 'Struggling to understand the concept of this question (ice cube in water optics question)'

TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
View full post »
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Similar threads

Momentum of W Bosons After Collision in Particle Physics Lab
Replies
3
Views
2K
Beam current of positrons and electrons
Replies
5
Views
2K
Kinetic Energy of Colliding Protons
2
Replies
54
Views
10K
Relativity: Force and a Collision
Replies
2
Views
1K
Two Particles Connected by Massless Rod: Dynamics Analysis
Replies
5
Views
2K
Solution of basic special relativity problem
Replies
4
Views
1K
Two spring-coupled masses in an electric field (one of the masses is charged)
Replies
1
Views
915
Relativistic electrons and positrons
Replies
2
Views
1K
Why Does Kinetic Energy Change After Collision in EENGA 2019 Question?
Replies
3
Views
1K
Physics Help with elastic collision
Replies
5
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top