Energy of Two Gamma Rays Produced by Pion Decay

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the energy calculations of two gamma rays produced by pion decay, with specific values of ##E_1 = 478.8 MeV## and ##E_2 = 459.4 MeV##. The momentum of the system is calculated as ##p = 0.49 MeV/c##. The user expresses confusion regarding the angle between the gamma rays and its implications for calculating the invariant mass using the equation for s. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the rest frame of the pion to analyze the sum of photon energies and their average energy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of pion decay and particle physics
  • Familiarity with energy-momentum relations in relativistic physics
  • Knowledge of invariant mass calculations
  • Basic concepts of photon energy and momentum
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of invariant mass in particle physics
  • Learn about energy-momentum conservation in decay processes
  • Explore the implications of angles in relativistic collisions
  • Investigate the properties of photons and their energy relations
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of particle physics, and anyone interested in the dynamics of particle decay processes and gamma ray interactions.

TheBigDig
Messages
65
Reaction score
2
Homework Statement
An experiment is designed to search for proton decay. A suggested possible pathway is:
##p \rightarrow \pi^0 + e^+ ##

a) Calculate the signature momenta of both products of this two-body decay in the rest frame of the proton.

b) The decay of a neutral pion subsequently occurs on a very short timescale and produces two gamma rays. Calculate the average value of the energies of these gamma rays as observed in the laboratory where the proton is at rest.
Relevant Equations
[tex]E_1 = \frac{M^2+m_1^2-m_2^2}{2M}[/tex]
[tex]E_2 = \frac{M^2+m_2^2-m_1^2}{2M}[/tex]
[tex]p = \frac{\sqrt{(M^2-m_1^2-m_2^2)-4m_1^2m_2^2}}{2M}[/tex]
[tex]s = m_1^2c^4 + m_2^2c^4 +2E_1E_2 - 2p_1p_2cos\theta_{12}c^2[/tex]
So I worked out the first part and obtained ##E_1 = 478.8MeV##, ##E_2 = 459.4MeV## and ##p = 0.49 MeV/c## but I can't quite wrap my head around the second part. Normally, I'd use the equation for s but I'm confused since I don't know the angle between the gamma rays.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
TheBigDig said:
I don't know the angle between the gamma rays.
You know what it is in the rest frame of the pion, do you not?
 
What is the sum of the photon energies? How does that sum relate to their average energy?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K