How to Determine Neutrino Energy in Pion Decay?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the energy of neutrinos produced in pion decay, specifically the reaction π+ → μ+ νμ. The energy of the neutrino in the rest frame of the pion is derived as E_v = (m^2_π - m^2_μ) / (2m_π). Additionally, the maximum energy of the neutrinos in the laboratory frame is expressed as E^{max}_v = E_π(m^2_π - m^2_μ) / m^2_π c^2. The participant encountered difficulties transitioning from the rest frame to the laboratory frame using the Lorentz transform, specifically in applying the correct signs for the βγ terms.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of particle physics, specifically pion decay processes.
  • Familiarity with Lorentz transformations and their application in relativistic physics.
  • Knowledge of energy-momentum relationships in particle interactions.
  • Basic understanding of the concepts of rest mass and laboratory frame energy measurements.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Lorentz transformations in detail, focusing on energy and momentum components.
  • Explore the derivation of energy equations in particle decay processes, particularly for neutrinos.
  • Investigate the implications of relativistic effects on particle decay in different reference frames.
  • Learn about the conservation laws applicable in particle physics, especially in decay reactions.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, particle physicists, and researchers interested in the dynamics of particle decay and energy calculations in relativistic contexts.

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Homework Statement



Pions can decay via the reaction π+ → μ+ νμ. Show that the energy of the neu- trino in the rest frame of the pion is given by

[tex]E_v = \frac{m^2_∏-m^2_μ}{2m_∏}[/tex]



Pions with energy Eπ in the laboratory frame (Eπ >> mπc2) decay via the above reaction. Show that the maximum energy of the neutrinos in the laboratory frame is given by


[tex]E^{max}_v = E_∏\frac{m^2_∏-m^2_μ}{m^2_∏} c^2[/tex]


Homework Equations



Lorentz Transform

[tex]\left(\begin{array}{cc}E'\\p'c\end{array}\right) = \left(\begin{array}{cc}\gamma&\beta\gamma\\-\beta\gamma&\gamma\end{array}\right) * \left(\begin{array}{cc}E\\pc\end{array}\right)[/tex]



The Attempt at a Solution



I am able to get the first result, the problem I am having is changing frames from the first result to the second result. I take the first result and use the Lorentz transform ont he energy, where prime denotes the lab frame and unprimed is the rest frame of the pion.
this give me:


[tex]E_v' = \frac{m^2_∏-m^2_μ}{2m_∏} \gamma(1-\beta) c^2[/tex]

i then use the fact that E'_∏ = gamma mc^2 to find gamma, giving me:


[tex]E_v' = \frac{m^2_∏-m^2_μ}{2m^2_∏} E_∏(1-\beta) c^2[/tex]

However I have done something wrong as this means I need beta =-1 to give me the right result. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You've done something wrong with your LT matrix. Both [itex]\beta \gamma[/itex] terms should have the same sign.
 
Ahh yes, however that was only a mistake I made when typing the problem up to pf, my calculations had both with the -ve sign to get the result below it.
 

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