Photon Energy for Muon Pair Production and Electron Wavelength Calculation

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SUMMARY

The minimal energy required for a photon to create a muon pair is calculated using the formula \(E_{\gamma} = 2m_{\mu} c^2\), where \(m_{\mu}\) is the mass of the muon, approximately \(1.9 \times 10^{-28}\) kg. Additionally, the wavelength of an electron with the same total energy can be determined using de Broglie's equation \(\lambda = \frac{h}{p}\), where \(h\) is Planck's Constant and \(p\) is the momentum of the electron. The discussion emphasizes the importance of conservation laws in particle physics and the correct application of energy formulas.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of particle physics concepts, specifically muon and electron properties.
  • Familiarity with energy-mass equivalence and the formula \(E = mc^2\).
  • Knowledge of Planck's Constant and its application in quantum mechanics.
  • Basic understanding of de Broglie wavelength calculations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation of the energy-mass equivalence formula \(E = mc^2\).
  • Learn about the properties and interactions of muons in particle physics.
  • Study the application of Planck's Constant in various quantum mechanics scenarios.
  • Explore advanced topics in wave-particle duality, focusing on de Broglie's wavelength.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and researchers interested in particle physics, specifically those studying muon pair production and electron behavior in quantum mechanics.

mk9898
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Homework Statement


What is the minimal amount of energy that a photon needs to create a muon pair?
What is the wavelength of an electron with the same total energy?
Tip: Muons have a rest mass of 1.9*10^-28kg and electrons 9.1*10^-31.

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to use this formula:

##E_{\gamma} = 2m_{\mu} c^2 + 2\frac{m^2_{\mu}}{m_{nucleus}}c^2##

but there is no atom given I cannot use m_nucleus.
 
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Perhaps you should set formulas aside and do a little bit of thinking. What quantities are conserved in this process?
 
I don't think that is the right formula.
$$E=h * f $$

That is how you find the energy of a particle. Where h is Planck's Constant and f is the frequency of the photon. Wavelength can be found using de Broglie.
$$ \lambda= \frac { h} {p}$$
 
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