Proton-proton collisions in an accelerator

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the fraction of energy from proton-proton collisions in an accelerator, specifically when one proton is at rest. The energy levels analyzed include 3 GeV, 7 GeV, 25 GeV, 200 GeV, and 1000 GeV. Key equations utilized are E = mγc² and T = E - mc², emphasizing the importance of kinetic energy and conservation of energy principles in determining available energy for inelastic interactions. The participants clarify that the kinetic energy of the moving proton corresponds to the energy of the accelerator, and they explore the distinction between elastic and inelastic interactions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of relativistic energy equations, specifically E = mγc²
  • Knowledge of kinetic energy calculations in particle physics
  • Familiarity with conservation of energy principles
  • Basic concepts of elastic and inelastic collisions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of relativistic effects on particle collisions
  • Learn about the differences between elastic and inelastic interactions in particle physics
  • Explore advanced topics in accelerator physics, focusing on energy transfer mechanisms
  • Investigate the role of kinetic energy in high-energy physics experiments
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in particle physics, particularly those studying high-energy collisions and accelerator operations, will benefit from this discussion.

davidpotts
Messages
16
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


What fraction of the energy of a rapidly moving proton is not available for inelastic interactions in proton-proton collisions when the target proton is at rest in the laboratory and the energy of the accelerator is (a) 3 GeV (b) 7 GeV (c) 25 GeV (d) 200 GeV (e) 1000 GeV?


Homework Equations


E = mγc2
T = E - mc2 = mc2(γ - 1)
Conservation of energy


The Attempt at a Solution


I have puzzled over this and still really have no idea how to begin. First, what does the energy of the accelerator mean for that of the moving proton? Does the proton simply have as kinetic energy the energy of the accelerator? So if that is 3 GeV, I can take the KE of the proton to be 3 GeV? Or is it more complicated than that? Second, the fraction of the energy not available for inelastic interactions would be the remainder after subtracting what is required for elastic ones. But how do I know that any energy is required for elastic interactions at all? Why shouldn't all the energy be absorbed inelastically? I feel like I have not been given enough data to do this. Any help greatly appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org

Similar threads

Invariant mass and energy balance
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Fermilab relativity energy problem
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Relativistic Momentum of photon
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Strong Nuclear Force & Particle Accelerators
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Kinetic Energy of Colliding Protons
  • · Replies 54 ·
2
Replies
54
Views
11K
Relativity-Energy Homework: GZK Effect
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Very high energy photons in space
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Elastic and inelastic collisions
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Momentum of W Bosons After Collision in Particle Physics Lab
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Relativity -- Momentum and energy
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K