Energy of relativistic particle in LHC

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the energy of a relativistic proton in the LHC, emphasizing that the proton's mass is not needed for the problem due to its negligible contribution compared to momentum. The participant expresses confusion about the relevance of mass in their momentum equation, p = eRB, which is confirmed as correct even in relativistic terms. It is highlighted that the equations initially used are suitable for nonrelativistic particles, and the approximation E = pc can be applied for energy calculations. Additionally, there is a note about inaccuracies in the diagram related to LHCb and ALICE positions. The conversation clarifies the importance of using relativistic momentum in this context.
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Homework Statement


(see attachment)
The proton charge is ##1.6 \times 10^{-19} C## and the speed of light is ##3 \times 10^8 m/s##. The proton's mass is not necessary in this problem.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


The particle revolves in a circular path, hence
\frac{mv^2}{R}=qvB
mv=eRB
(e is the charge of particle)
Since p=mv (momentum)
p=eRB
I don't understand how the mass of proton is not necessary for the problem. Is my expression for p correct?

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
 

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Your equations do not use the proton mass, how could it be relevant? You can use the approximation ##E=pc## to get the energy, as the mass of the proton is negligible relative to its momentum.

Your formulas are good for nonrelativistic particles only, you cannot use this approximation for protons in the LHC.
The result is the same with relativistic formulas, but that is just a coincidence here.

The sketch has wrong positions for LHCb and ALICE :(.
 
mfb said:
Your equations do not use the proton mass, how could it be relevant? You can use the approximation ##E=pc## to get the energy, as the mass of the proton is negligible relative to its momentum.

Your formulas are good for nonrelativistic particles only, you cannot use this approximation for protons in the LHC.
The result is the same with relativistic formulas, but that is just a coincidence here.

The sketch has wrong positions for LHCb and ALICE :(.

Thanks a lot mfb for the help! :smile:
 
Pranav-Arora said:
1. I don't understand how the mass of proton is not necessary for the problem. Is my expression for p correct? p=eRB


Yes it is, even relativistically, if you remember p is the relativistic momentum = mv = γm0v.
 
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