Finding the Centre of Mass Speed for a High and Low Energy Photon Collision

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the center of mass (CM) speed for a collision between a high-energy photon and a low-energy photon, specifically at the threshold energy of 261 GeV. The participant correctly identifies the threshold energy required for the electron-positron pair production but struggles to derive the CM speed, obtaining a result of c (the speed of light). The relevant equation used is E=γmc², where γ is the Lorentz factor. The participant seeks clarification on whether obtaining c as the CM speed is acceptable.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of relativistic energy and momentum conservation principles
  • Familiarity with the Lorentz factor (γ) and its application in relativistic physics
  • Knowledge of photon interactions and particle pair production
  • Basic grasp of high-energy physics concepts, specifically electron-positron pair production
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Lorentz factor (γ) in detail
  • Research the conservation of momentum in relativistic collisions
  • Explore the implications of relativistic speeds on the center of mass frame
  • Investigate the conditions for particle pair production in high-energy photon interactions
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, particularly those studying high-energy particle physics, and educators looking to clarify concepts related to photon interactions and relativistic mechanics.

albega
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Homework Statement


High energy photon of energy E collides with a low energy photon of energy 1eV. It forms an electron-positron pair. I have found the threshold energy as E=261GeV.

I am asked to find the speed of the centre of mass at this threshold energy.

Homework Equations


E=γmc2

The Attempt at a Solution


I can use conservation of energy to get the energy of the electron (or positron) say then use the above formula to find v from γ. I believe this then should be the CM speed. However it returns c. I don't believe that this is an acceptable solution (I don't have the answers though). Any thoughts would be helpful, thanks.
 
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albega said:

Homework Statement


High energy photon of energy E collides with a low energy photon of energy 1eV. It forms an electron-positron pair. I have found the threshold energy as E=261GeV.

I am asked to find the speed of the centre of mass at this threshold energy.

Homework Equations


E=γmc2

The Attempt at a Solution


I can use conservation of energy to get the energy of the electron (or positron) say then use the above formula to find v from γ. I believe this then should be the CM speed. However it returns c. I don't believe that this is an acceptable solution (I don't have the answers though). Any thoughts would be helpful, thanks.

I realize it may be a bit vague. Just in case, the full question is

A high-energy photon γ1 of energy E traveling through space interacts with an
infra-red photon γ2 of energy 1 eV to produce an electron-positron pair via the reaction
γ12→e-+e+
By considering the total energy and the total momentum show that the threshold value of E required for this process is 261 GeV.

What is the velocity of the centre of mass at this threshold?

I have the 261GeV, but can only get speed c for the second bit (as outlined in my original post).
 

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