How does this formula relate to particle creation?

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SUMMARY

The formula ΔEΔt ≥ h/4π is a fundamental expression of the uncertainty principle in quantum physics, directly relating to particle creation and decay. It indicates that for short-lived particles, such as the rho meson with a nominal mass of 770 MeV and a lifetime of approximately 4 x 10^-24 seconds, there exists an inherent uncertainty in energy, quantified as ΔE = h / 4πΔt. This results in a range of observable masses for such particles, exemplified by rho mesons that can be detected with masses varying around 700 MeV to 770 MeV.

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AbsoluteZer0
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Hi,

ΔEΔt ≥[itex]\frac{h}{4\pi}[/itex]

How does this formula relate to particle creation? I understand that it is relevant to the uncertainty principle, but that is essentially all that I am aware of. Does this formula indicate that when a particle with energy 'E' exists for time 't' it then decays?

Thanks,
 
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Both are related to quantum physics, but I don't see a direct relation between particle creation and this uncertainty relation.
For short-living particles, the uncertainty relation gives them a natural width in their mass.
 
What this formula means is that if a particle only exists for a short time ##\Delta t##, then its energy is necessarily uncertain by an amount ##\Delta E = h / 4 \pi \Delta t##. For example, the mass of the rho meson is nominally 770 MeV. However, the rho meson is extremely short-lived: ##\Delta t \approx 4 \times 10^{-24}## seconds, so we actually observe rho mesons with a range of masses, with the extent of that range being about ##\Delta E = 145## MeV. So it wouldn't be uncommon to observe a rho meson with mass 700 MeV, for instance.See http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/quantum/parlif.html
 

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