Collision of subatomic particles

It means they're colliding straight into each other.The principle of momentum equation (m1u1+m2u2=m1v1+m2v2) applies in this scenario because it is an elastic collision, meaning kinetic energy is conserved. The equation allows us to calculate the final velocity of the neutron after the collision.In summary, a sub-atomic particle with a mass of 0.113 u collides head-on and elastically with a stationary neutron. The neutron moves off with a speed of 3.8 x 10^6 (power 6) due to the conservation of kinetic energy. The equation for the principle of momentum (m1u1+m2u2=m1v1+m2v
  • #1
fffff
53
0
A sub-atomic particle os mass 0.113 u collides head-on and elastically with a stationairy neutron. The neutron moves off with a
speed of 3.8 x 10^6 (power 6).

I am having a number of difficulties with this question. For instance, what's the mass of one neutron in terms of u
please forgive me for asking such a newbie question but what does a 'head-on collision mean'

and why is it that the equation for principle of momentum
(m1u1+m2u2=m1v1+m2v2)
would not necessay apply if the sub-atomic particle had a much greater initial speed.

what does this mean?
and why is it that we are applying the equation in the first place.

Thanks
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
A neutron has a mass of 1 atomic mass unit - a proton likewise (in reality they're slightly different but I assume this question wants you to use 1u)

Head on just means you don't have to consider angles.
 
  • #3
for your questions. Let me address them one by one.

Firstly, the mass of a neutron is approximately 1 atomic mass unit (u). Therefore, the subatomic particle in this scenario has a mass of approximately 0.113 u.

A head-on collision means that the two particles collide directly with each other, with their velocities aligned in opposite directions. This is in contrast to a glancing collision, where the particles may collide at an angle and their velocities may not be directly opposite each other.

The principle of conservation of momentum states that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant before and after a collision. In this scenario, the subatomic particle and the neutron are the only two particles involved in the collision, making it a closed system. Therefore, the equation (m1u1+m2u2=m1v1+m2v2) is applicable in this situation to calculate the final velocities of the particles based on their initial velocities and masses.

If the subatomic particle had a much greater initial speed, the resulting velocities of the particles after the collision may be significantly different. This could potentially change the final speed of the neutron and the overall outcome of the collision. However, the principle of conservation of momentum would still apply in this scenario.

In this particular case, the equation is being used to calculate the velocity of the neutron after the collision, based on the given information of the mass and initial velocity of the subatomic particle. This allows us to understand the outcome of the collision and the behavior of the particles involved.

I hope this helps clarify your questions. Please let me know if you have any further concerns or need additional explanation.
 

1. What is a collision of subatomic particles?

A collision of subatomic particles is when two or more particles come into contact with each other and interact with each other's fields, resulting in a change in their trajectories and potentially creating new particles.

2. What is the purpose of studying collisions of subatomic particles?

The purpose of studying collisions of subatomic particles is to understand the fundamental building blocks of matter and the forces that govern their interactions. This can lead to advancements in fields such as particle physics, cosmology, and technology.

3. How are collisions of subatomic particles studied?

Collisions of subatomic particles are studied using particle accelerators, which accelerate particles to high energies and then collide them together. Detectors are then used to capture the resulting particle interactions and gather data for analysis.

4. What types of collisions can occur between subatomic particles?

There are several types of collisions that can occur between subatomic particles, including elastic collisions where the particles bounce off each other, inelastic collisions where the particles merge or break apart, and annihilation collisions where the particles are completely destroyed and converted into energy.

5. What can collisions of subatomic particles tell us about the universe?

Collisions of subatomic particles can provide insights into the fundamental laws of physics and the origins of the universe. By studying these collisions, scientists can gain a better understanding of the structure and behavior of matter, as well as the formation of the universe and its evolution over time.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
809
Back
Top