The discussion revolves around calculating the total energy of photons resulting from a collision between a positron and an electron, both traveling at high speeds. The problem involves concepts from relativistic physics, specifically energy calculations in particle collisions.
The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on each other's calculations and reasoning. Some guidance has been offered regarding the importance of total energy in the context of photon production, but there is still confusion about the correct formulation and the role of rest mass energy.
Participants note that the problem specifically asks for the energy in Joules, and there is mention of potential constraints from homework guidelines regarding the approach to solving the problem. Additionally, there is uncertainty about the instructor's emphasis on including rest mass energy in the calculations.
Okay, understood.magma_saber said:the questions ask for in Joules.
Looks good.rest energy = mc2
(9e-31)*(3d8)2 = 8.1e-14
\gamma = 1/\sqrt{1-(0.93)^2} = 2.72
particle energy = \gamma*mc2
(2.72)*(9e-31)*(3d8)2 = 2.20e-13
Here E is the kinetic energy of one of the particles. However, it is the total particle energy, kinetic and rest mass, that ultimately is converted into the photons.E = particle energy - rest energy
E = 2.20e-13 - 8.1e-14 = 1.39e-13
Yes, but you'll need to use the total energy rather than only kinetic. Looks good otherwise.Then i multiplied it by 2 since that is the energy of one of the particle.
Redbelly98 said:Okay, understood.Looks good.
Here E is the kinetic energy of one of the particles. However, it is the total particle energy, kinetic and rest mass, that ultimately is converted into the photons.Yes, but you'll need to use the total energy rather than only kinetic. Looks good otherwise.