Decaying particle in uniform magnetic field; what was the rest mass?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the rest mass of an unstable particle that decays into a proton and a negative pion in a uniform magnetic field of 0.250 T. The radius of curvature of the particle tracks is 1.33 m, which is essential for determining the speed and momentum of the decay products. The rest energies of the proton and negative pion are 938.3 MeV and 139.5 MeV, respectively. The initial step involves using the radius of curvature to derive the speed or momentum of the particles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of particle decay and rest mass concepts
  • Familiarity with the principles of magnetic fields and their effects on charged particles
  • Knowledge of momentum and energy conservation in particle physics
  • Ability to apply the formula for radius of curvature in a magnetic field
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the formula for radius of curvature in a magnetic field: R = mv/qB
  • Learn about momentum conservation in particle decay processes
  • Explore the concept of rest energy and its calculation using E=mc²
  • Investigate the properties of pions and protons in particle physics
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, particularly those focusing on particle physics and decay processes, as well as anyone interested in the application of magnetic fields in particle motion analysis.

Jerros
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Homework Statement

An unstable particle, initially at rest, decays into a pro-
ton (rest energy 938.3 MeV) and a negative pion (rest
energy 139.5 MeV). A uniform magnetic field of
0.250 T exists perpendicular to the velocities of the cre-
ated particles. The radius of curvature of each track is
found to be 1.33 m. What is the rest mass of the origi-
nal unstable particle?

The attempt at a solution

Wouldn't know where to start on this one...
 
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Welcome to PF!

Hi Jerros! Welcome to PF! :smile:
Jerros said:
Wouldn't know where to start on this one...

Start by using the radius of curvature to find the speed. :wink:
 
Or, better yet, the momentum.
 

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