Quark Scattering and Quark Flow Diagrams

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on quark scattering and flow diagrams related to two specific reactions involving pions and protons. The highest cross-section energy for the incoming beam is calculated using the Breit-Wigner formula, resulting in an energy of 329.3 MeV for the pion. The first reaction, ##\pi^{-} + p \rightarrow \pi^0 + n##, is identified as more favorable due to lighter products, while the second reaction, ##\pi^{-} + p \rightarrow \pi^{-} + p##, offers more possible interaction pathways. The differences in quark flow diagrams and mass variations between protons and neutrons are also discussed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Breit-Wigner formula for cross-section calculations
  • Familiarity with quark flow diagrams and particle interactions
  • Knowledge of center of mass frames and 4-momentum concepts
  • Basic principles of particle physics, specifically regarding pions and protons
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the Breit-Wigner formula in particle physics
  • Explore quark flow diagrams in detail for various particle interactions
  • Research the significance of center of mass frames in collision experiments
  • Investigate the differences in reaction pathways and their implications in particle physics
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, particle physicists, and researchers interested in quark interactions and scattering processes in high-energy physics.

unscientific
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Homework Statement



(a) Find energy of incoming beam that creates highest cross section
(b) What are the differences in the two reactions, using quark diagrams?
(c) What would the peaks of the two reactions be like?

e9ys6p.png


Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



Part(a)
[/B]
Cross section is given by Breit-Wigner formula:

\sigma = \frac{\pi}{k^2} \frac{\Gamma_i \Gamma_f}{ (E-E_0)^2 + \frac{\Gamma^2}{4}}

Using centre of mass frames and 4-momentum:

I find ##E_{\pi} = \frac{E_0^2 - m_{\pi}^2 - m_p^2}{2m_p} = 329.3~MeV##.

Part(b)

First reaction is given by: ## \pi^{-} + p \rightarrow \pi^0 + n ## and quark flow diagram is shown:
mrxmxt.png


The second reaction is given by: ##\pi^{-} + p \rightarrow \pi^{-} + p## and quark flow diagram is shown:

aka7q1.png


I'm not sure how the reaction would be different. I'm guessing reaction 1 would be more favourable, since the products are lighter?
 
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There is a wrong quark label at your outgoing neutron.
The mass differences between the pions are small and the differences between proton and neutron are even smaller (and in the opposite direction), I would not expect a significant effect from that.
The second reaction has more options how it can happen, but I don't know how relevant that is.
 

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