- #31
baltimorebest
- 73
- 0
Would it be that F is the force on the surface that is absorbing the mesons?
Modern Physics: Finding pressure using energy.
- Thread starter baltimorebest
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Homework Help Overview
The problem involves calculating the pressure exerted by a beam of pions, which are a type of meson, on a surface that absorbs them. The pions have a specified rest energy and total energy, and the task is to relate this to the pressure they exert upon impact.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation
Approaches and Questions Raised
- Participants discuss the definition of pressure and its relation to force and area. There are attempts to connect pressure with energy and momentum, with some participants expressing uncertainty about how to proceed with the calculations. Questions arise regarding the use of Newton's laws and the calculation of mass and velocity for relativistic particles.
Discussion Status
The discussion is ongoing, with various participants providing guidance on how to approach the problem. Some participants have attempted calculations and shared their results, while others have pointed out potential errors and suggested alternative methods for finding necessary values. There is a collaborative effort to clarify concepts and calculations without reaching a definitive conclusion.
Contextual Notes
Participants are navigating challenges related to unit conversions and the application of relativistic equations. There are mentions of specific values and calculations that may need verification, indicating a focus on ensuring accuracy in the problem-solving process.
- #32
diazona
Homework Helper
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Yes - specifically, it's the force on that surface from the beam of mesons. There could be other forces on the surface as well, though, so you can't just use the rate of change of total momentum of the surface. (That would give you the total force on the surface) You'll have to figure out how much momentum per unit time is transferred to the surface by the beam of mesons alone. Can you think of a way to do that?
- #33
- #34
diazona
Homework Helper
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Some parts are hard to read but from what I see in the upper part of the left column, it seems like you're going about it the right way.
- #35
baltimorebest
- 73
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Ok well I hope I did it correctly this way. I just rearranged the upper left equation for 'p' then plugged in all given equations for individual particles, then I multiplied by the total number of particles, and got 5.33E-7 N/cm^2. Thanks for your help.
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