Photon-electron collision with pair production

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a photon colliding with an electron, resulting in the production of an electron-positron pair. The problem involves calculating the energy of the three particles (two electrons and one positron) that move together in the same direction as the original photon, within the context of relativistic physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to relate the energies of the photon and the particles using both energy and momentum equations. Some participants question the appropriateness of nonrelativistic formulas given the significant speeds involved, suggesting the need for relativistic equations instead.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different approaches to the problem, with some providing guidance on the necessity of using relativistic formulas. There is acknowledgment of the original poster's attempts, and some participants have indicated they have arrived at correct answers, although the specifics of those answers are not detailed.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on the limitations of nonrelativistic physics in this scenario, as the particles are expected to move at significant speeds, which may affect the calculations and assumptions made by the original poster.

WrongMan
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Homework Statement


photon collides with an electron producing a electron-positron pair, the three particles ( two electrons and one positron) move together in the same direction of the original photon.
calculate the energy of each particle.

Homework Equations


photon:
Ep=hf
p=E/c
electron/positron
1) E=Ke+me*c^2

The Attempt at a Solution


so 2)Ep + me*c^2=3E : photon energy plus electron rest energy equals the energy of the 3 remaining particles and since mass and direction is the same the energy is the same, same goes for momentum
3)Ep/c=3p
so 2 equations 3 unkowns so i wrote eq 2) with 1) and substituted k for 1/2*me*v^2 and in eq 3) i substituted p for me*v, this did not yield a correct answers.
how should i do this?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You cannot use the nonrelativistic kinetic energy and momentum formulas here. The particles will move at significant speed. You have to use the relativistic formulas.
 
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mfb said:
You cannot use the nonrelativistic kinetic energy and momentum formulas here. The particles will move at significant speed. You have to use the relativistic formulas.
so K= m*c2*(1/(1-v2/c2)0.5)-m*c2
and p=m*v*(1/(1-v2/c2)0.5)
thanks!
 
I wouldn't introduce the velocity at all. ##E^2 = m^2 c^4 + p^2 c^2##
 
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ok! got the correct answer now... thanks!
 

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