Relativistic Decay: Calculating Pion Momentum

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the momentum of a pion resulting from the decay of a Sigma^+ particle at rest into a neutron and a pion^+. The kinetic energy of the pion is given as 92 MeV, and participants note that the problem contains superfluous information. A key point is that the total energy of the pion can be determined by subtracting its rest energy from its kinetic energy. It is emphasized that using gamma factors or velocity is unnecessary for this calculation. The solution can be approached more simply by focusing on energy conservation principles.
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Homework Statement


A Sigma^+ decays at rest into a neutron and a pion^+ meson, i.e. according to the reaction

$$\Sigma \rightarrow n + \pi$$
The n and π masses are assumed known. The kinetic energy of the π + is measured to be 92 MeV.

Determine the momentum of the pion.

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



I have tried to use four-momentum and that $m_\sigma$ = $m_\pi$ + $m_n$ but can't just use these relation to solve the problem. I think its really easy once one just know how to do it...
 
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Hint: There is a lot of superfluous information.
 
Orodruin said:
Hint: There is a lot of superfluous information.

Yes well of course?
I tried solve for v in the formula for rel. Kinetic energy and plug into p=\gamma m*v but don’t get the right answer..
 
Hint: Kinetic energy is total energy minus rest energy. There is no need to start involving gamma factors or the velocity.
 

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