Relativity and energy (think its dead easy, I just can't see it)

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the total energy and momentum of a system comprising a proton with a total energy of 2 GeV and a photon with an energy of 50 MeV traveling at a 45-degree angle. The total energy is correctly calculated as 2.05 GeV. The momentum components are addressed with px being the sum of the proton's momentum and the photon's momentum in the x-direction, while the y-component of momentum is solely from the photon.

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  • Understanding of relativistic energy calculations
  • Knowledge of momentum conservation principles
  • Familiarity with photon energy and momentum relationships
  • Basic grasp of vector components in physics
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  • Study relativistic momentum equations for particles
  • Learn about energy-momentum four-vectors in special relativity
  • Explore the implications of angles in momentum calculations
  • Investigate the relationship between energy and momentum for photons
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Students of physics, particularly those studying special relativity, and anyone involved in particle physics or energy-momentum calculations.

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Homework Statement


A proton has total energy 2GeV and is traveling along the x-axis. A photon with energy 50MeV travels at an angle of 45 degrees to this axis. What is the total energy and momentum of the system?


Homework Equations


Non-really


The Attempt at a Solution


Total E = 2Gev + 50 MeV = 2.05GeV yes? I don't need to take any directions into account here do I?

Then px = p(proton) + px(photon), and py = py(photon) yes?
 
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