What is the threshold energy for a neutrino reaction with a proton?

In summary, to calculate threshold energies, one must consider the refracted speed of a neutrino when detected, as it slows down when refracted by water. To find the threshold energy, the conservation of energy and momentum should be examined, taking into account the rest energy of the particles in the final state. This is important in determining whether a reaction, such as \nu + p \rightarrow n + e^+, can occur.
  • #1
jabers
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Im a little confused about how to calculate threshold energies. The threshold energy is when the energy is as low as it can possibly be and still do what it has to do, yes? So when a neutrino is detected its speed is refracted by water and so it slows down. If at the threshold the neutrino speed was c the refracted speed would be c'. How would I go about finding the threshold energy from this speed? I tried doing this by thinking about how the neutrino would scatter an electron but is there a way to find the threshold energy without doing this?
 
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  • #2
Are you supposed to be looking at neutrino refraction or a reaction [tex]\nu + p \rightarrow n + e^+[/tex]? If it's the latter, you should determine the threshold energy by examining conservation of energy and momentum. Since the rest energy of the particles in the final state are larger than those in the initial state, there is a threshold energy for the neutrino, below which the reaction cannot occur.
 

1. What is neutrino threshold energy?

Neutrino threshold energy is the minimum amount of energy that a neutrino must have in order to interact with a particle or nucleus.

2. How is neutrino threshold energy determined?

Neutrino threshold energy is determined by the energy required for a neutrino to overcome the binding energy of a particle or nucleus in order to interact with it.

3. Why is neutrino threshold energy important in studying neutrinos?

Neutrino threshold energy is important because it helps us understand the properties and behavior of neutrinos, which are elusive and difficult to detect particles.

4. How does neutrino threshold energy vary for different types of neutrinos?

Neutrino threshold energy varies depending on the type of neutrino (electron, muon, or tau) and the type of interaction (charged current or neutral current) that is being studied.

5. Can neutrino threshold energy be measured experimentally?

Yes, neutrino threshold energy can be measured experimentally by studying the interactions of neutrinos with particles or nuclei and determining the minimum energy required for an interaction to occur.

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