Collision of particles (relativity)

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the minimum incident energy (E) of a positron (e+) required for its annihilation with an electron (e−) to produce a top quark (t) and an anti-top quark (ṯ). The relevant equation used is E² = P²*m² + m²*c⁴, where m represents the rest mass. The user initially sought guidance on utilizing the center of mass reference frame for the calculation but later resolved the issue independently.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of particle physics concepts, specifically positrons and electrons.
  • Familiarity with the rest mass of particles, particularly m_e and m_t.
  • Knowledge of energy-momentum relations in special relativity.
  • Ability to apply the center of mass reference frame in particle collision scenarios.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of energy-momentum relations in special relativity.
  • Learn about particle annihilation processes and their energy requirements.
  • Explore the properties of top quarks and their significance in high-energy physics.
  • Investigate the application of the center of mass frame in various particle collision experiments.
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in particle physics, particularly those studying high-energy collisions and particle interactions involving quarks.

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.
 

Similar threads

Bullet collision question
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Kinetic Energy of Colliding Protons
  • · Replies 54 ·
2
Replies
54
Views
12K
Momentum of W Bosons After Collision in Particle Physics Lab
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Voltage that gives acceleration to relativistic particles
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
692
Beam current of positrons and electrons
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Relativity: Force and a Collision
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Two Particles Connected by Massless Rod: Dynamics Analysis
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Solution of basic special relativity problem
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Two spring-coupled masses in an electric field (one of the masses is charged)
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Relativistic electrons and positrons
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K