Pion Decay into Gamma rays angle

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the decay of a neutral pion into two gamma rays, specifically analyzing the relationship between the pion's velocity (v) and the angle (theta) of the emitted gamma rays. It is established that the equation v = cos(theta) holds true, derived from the principles of conservation of momentum. The participants clarify that the horizontal components of the gamma rays' velocities must equal the pion's velocity, while the vertical components cancel each other out, forming a right triangle that validates the trigonometric relationship.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity principles
  • Knowledge of conservation of momentum
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions and right triangles
  • Basic concepts of particle physics, specifically pion decay
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of special relativity in detail
  • Explore conservation laws in particle physics
  • Learn about the properties and behavior of gamma rays
  • Investigate the mathematical applications of trigonometry in physics
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, particle physicists, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of particle decay and the application of conservation laws in relativistic contexts.

cooev769
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So i have a question regarding a homework question I'm working on which suggest a neutral pion traveling with velocity v decays into two gamma rays of equal theta to the normal and they of course have velocity c. It then asks to prove that

v= cos theta

Which kind of confuses me. I mean if we assume that the gamma rays travel off at an angle and the distance they travel in time t is at a right angle to the distance the pion would have traveled at velocity v, we can form a right handed triangle with adjacent length vt and hypotenuse ct, but how can we just assume that you can just go north of vt and it will find ct right at the end of the hypotenuse and hence use this trigonometric rule.

Thanks.
 
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Oh wait is it due to conservation of momentum so the vertical components of the c's must cancel and therefore the horizontal components must be the same length? Cheers.
 
Oh wait is it due to conservation of momentum so the vertical components of the c's must cancel and therefore the horizontal components must be the same length? Cheers.
Exactly.
 

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