How Does the Dalitz Plot Represent Particle Decay into Equal Mass Particles?

  • Thread starter Thread starter iloveflickr
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Plot Relativistic
Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
1 reply · 3K views
iloveflickr
Messages
9
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Decay of particle A into three particles of equal mass, prove that the Dalitz plot is a equilateral triangle with height Q/2, inscribed within a triangle with height Q.

Homework Equations



Q = MassA - 3(MassB)

The Attempt at a Solution



For relativistic kinematics, T (kinetic energy) is = E = p (in natural units)

I'm not sure where to go from here. Thanks,
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The Dalitz plot is not a triangle unless A decays into massless particles, or A is so much heavier than B that Bhas E>>M. Then as you write E~p for each decay particle. Also then, Q=M_A.
The maximum energy of any decay particle is when the other two are in the opposite direction with equal energy. This should get you the maximum energy of any decay particle, which you can relate to the altitude of the triangle.