D meson decay and invariant mass

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the invariant mass of a D meson decaying into a pion and a kaon, specifically the decay D0->π+K-. The user attempts to apply conservation of momentum using the formula m²=(Eπ+EK)²-(pπ+pK)², but misinterprets the values for the energies of the pion and kaon. The correct values for the masses are Eπ=137MeV and EK=493MeV, which are not the energies but rather the rest masses of the particles. This misunderstanding leads to confusion regarding the invariant mass calculation, which should equal the rest mass of the D meson, ED=1865MeV.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of particle physics, specifically D meson decay processes.
  • Familiarity with the concept of invariant mass in relativistic physics.
  • Knowledge of conservation of momentum and energy in particle interactions.
  • Basic proficiency in using relativistic energy-momentum equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of invariant mass calculations in particle physics.
  • Study the conservation laws in particle decay processes.
  • Learn about the properties and decay channels of D mesons.
  • Explore the differences between rest mass and energy in relativistic contexts.
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Students and researchers in particle physics, physicists working on meson decay studies, and anyone interested in understanding invariant mass calculations in high-energy physics.

Narlok
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Considering a D0->π+K- where the D meson decays from rest.

If one was to want to calculate the invariant mass of the D meson by measuring the momenta of the pion and kaon, following from conservation of momentum:

m2=(Eπ+EK)2-(pπ+pK)2

However by inputting numerical data
Eπ=137MeV
EK=493MeV
ED=1865MeV

As such, since p2 is some positive quantity it can only reduce the invariant mass, and as the D meson started at rest the invariant mass should be equal to the rest mass:

(137+493)2<<18652

Clearly there is a flaw in my understanding, I'm simply not sure where, and any help would be highly appreciated.
 
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Narlok said:
However by inputting numerical data
Eπ=137MeV
EK=493MeV
These are the masses of the pi and K, not their energies.
 

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