Probability of neutrino-electron scattering

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the probability of neutrino-electron scattering within a 10-meter deep water detector. The relevant formula for the cross section is given as σ = E(in MeV) x 1.5x10-44 cm2. Participants emphasize that the cross section represents a probability measure in particle physics, and to find the total probability of scattering, one must consider the cumulative effect of multiple encounters between neutrinos and electrons in the water column. The solution involves multiplying the cross section by the detector's length and factoring in the density of water to determine the likelihood of electron presence.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of particle physics concepts, particularly cross sections
  • Familiarity with the relationship between energy and scattering probabilities
  • Knowledge of water density and its implications for particle interactions
  • Basic calculus for integrating probabilities over a volume
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of cross sections in particle physics
  • Learn about the density of water and its effect on particle interactions
  • Explore integration techniques for calculating probabilities in continuous systems
  • Investigate the behavior of neutrinos in various media and their interaction probabilities
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students and researchers in particle physics, particularly those studying neutrino interactions and their implications in experimental setups involving water detectors.

Rick88
Messages
113
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Ok, I'm given a formula for the cross section of the scattering and I've been told that the detector is a column of water of depth 10m. I need to find the probability of the scattering within the detector.


Homework Equations


σ = E(in MeV) x 1.5x10-44 cm2


The Attempt at a Solution


I know the cross section is actually a probability in particle physics, but I just don't see how to use the depth of the detector.
A ratio, maybe?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The cross section is a measure of the likelihood (not a probability strictly speaking) that one electron and one neutrino will interact. When the neutrino goes through the column of water, it will encounter many electrons, and each time, there's a chance it will scatter. You need to sum the probabilities of all those encounters to find the total probability of scattering within the detector.
 
Yeah, that's what I thought, but I am confused about how to find the total probability.
An integral or what?
 
It's been a long time since I took particle physics, so I may be totally off here. I think you can just take the cross section and multiply it by the length of the detector, and if an electron is inside this volume, it will interact with the neutrino. So it comes down to figuring out what the probability is of finding an electron inside this volume, which you should be able to determine from the density of water.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 134 ·
5
Replies
134
Views
11K
Replies
19
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K