Relativity: Pion decay can someone check my answers please

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the relativistic properties of negatively charged pions (\(\pi^{-}\)), specifically their decay and behavior when accelerated. The user successfully calculated the relativistic factor (\(\gamma\)) as 15 using the equation \(E = \gamma mc^2\) with a total energy of 2.1 x 103 MeV. They determined the pion's lifetime in the laboratory frame to be 1.0 x 10-9 s and calculated the speed of the pions as 0.998c. However, they encountered difficulties with the calculations for the number of pions remaining after 1 µs and the mean distance traveled before decay.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity concepts, including time dilation and the Lorentz factor.
  • Familiarity with particle physics, specifically the properties of pions.
  • Proficiency in using equations related to energy and momentum in relativistic contexts.
  • Knowledge of exponential decay laws in physics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of the Lorentz factor in various relativistic scenarios.
  • Learn about the exponential decay law and its applications in particle physics.
  • Explore the implications of relativistic speeds on particle lifetimes and decay processes.
  • Investigate the relationship between energy, mass, and velocity in relativistic physics using examples.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and researchers interested in particle physics, particularly those studying the behavior of pions and relativistic effects in high-energy environments.

lozzyjay
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Hello! I have to hand in this coursework tomorrow and I just wanted to check I had done it correctly so if someone could have a look I'd be really grateful... It's quite long...

Homework Statement



A negatively charged pion \pi^{-} has mass m=140MeV/c^{2} and lifetime 2.6 x 10^{-8}s.

a) If the pion is accelerated with respect to the laboratory such that it has a total energy of 2.1 x 10^{3} MeV, show that the relativistic factor is 15.
b) Using this factor, determine the pion lifetime when measured in the laboratory frame.
c) Whar is the speed of the pions (in units of c) in the laboratory frame?
d) At time t=0, 2000 of these energetic pions are produced in the laboratory. How many pions will be left after 1 \mus, as measured on a clock in the laboratory?
e) What is the mean distance in the lab traveled by the pions before they decay?


Homework Equations



E = \gammamc^2
T_{0} = t/\gamma

The Attempt at a Solution



Ok here is what I have done...

a) E = \gammamc^2

2.1 x 10^{9} = \gamma (140 x 10^6)

therefore gamma is 15...

b) T0 = t/\gamma

= (2.6 x 10^8)/15

T0 = 1.0 x 10^-9s

c) 1.0 x 10^-9 = (2.6 x 10^8)/\gamma

1/(1 - (v^2/c^2))^1/2 = (2.6 x 10^8)/\gamma

rearranging and simplifying...

I got v = 0.998c

d) This is where I got stuck, I'm not sure which formula to use or how to go about this.
e) Same for this question.

Any help will be greatly appreciated :)
 
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b) is backwards; it lives longer in the lab frame.

e) d = v t

d) exponential decay law
 

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