Solving 4-Momenta Problem for Toy Theory: A + A -> B + B

[kudoushinichi88]

Homework Statement

For a scattering problem A + A - > B + B in the Toy Theory,

Need to show

(p_4-p_2)^2-m_C^2c^2=p_4^2+p_2^2-2p_4\cdot p_2 = -\vec{\textbf{p}}^2(1-\cos\theta)

Homework Equations

this is assuming m_A=m_B=m and m_C=0

The Attempt at a Solution

p_4^2+p_2^2=2m^2c^2

but I'm not sure how to do

p_4\cdot p_2

do i work with

\sqrt{\left( \frac{E_4^2}{c^2} - \vec{\textbf{p}}_4^2 \right) \left( \frac{E_2^2}{c^2} - \vec{\textbf{p}}_2^2 \right)}

?

 

[andrien]

please mention what is m_c.Also the expression so far is correct only in CM frame.also it seems that a factor of 2 is missing in p²(1-cosθ).

 

[Shinobii]

It's been awhile since I have done this problem! Have you tried,

$$
p_2 p_4 = \frac{E_2 E_4}{c^2} - \vec{p_2} \cdot \vec{p_4}
$$

 

[kudoushinichi88]

Terribly sorry, I should've made my question clearer. All of the ps in my post refers 4-momenta while \vec{\textbf{p}} refers to 3 momenta.

I'm working in the CM frame.

In this scattering reaction the subscripts refers to the particle in the reaction as follows: 1 + 2 -> 3 + 4

@andrien, you are right, I missed the factor 2. m_c is mass of the mediating particle in the lowest order Feynman diagram of this particular scattering reaction. In this problem, I guess it could just be ignored.

@Shinobii, does your \vec{p_2} and \vec{p_4} denote 3-momenta or 4-momenta? Both particles 2 and 4 are not massless...

 

[BruceW]

but I'm not sure how to do

p_4\cdot p_2

well, they are both 4-vectors in minkowski spacetime. So how would you normally take the inner product? (Maybe think of a general 4-vector first, then apply it to the specific vectors you have here)