Solving Feynman Diagrams: Electron-Positron Scattering

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the analysis of Feynman diagrams in the context of electron-positron scattering, specifically addressing momentum conservation equations. The key equation presented is p1 + p2 = p3 + p4, where p1 and p2 represent the incoming momenta of the electron and positron, and p3 and p4 represent the outgoing momenta. The user seeks clarification on why defining three-momentum p4 = p3 leads to both being zero in a specific frame and why the condition p3 * p4 = 0 implies that either p3 or p4 must be zero. The discussion emphasizes the application of four-vector notation and the implications of momentum conservation in particle physics.

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  • Understanding of four-vectors in particle physics
  • Knowledge of momentum conservation principles
  • Familiarity with Feynman diagrams and their applications
  • Basic grasp of special relativity concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of four-momentum conservation in particle interactions
  • Learn about the significance of the center-of-momentum frame in scattering processes
  • Explore the mathematical formulation of Feynman diagrams in quantum field theory
  • Investigate the role of invariant mass in particle collisions
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Students and researchers in theoretical physics, particularly those focusing on quantum field theory, particle physics, and the analysis of scattering processes.

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Homework Statement


Homework Equations


Hi, I'm studying Feynman diagrams; electron-positron scattering.
If the 4-momentum of the incoming electron (positron) is p1 (p2) and of the outgoing electron (positron) is p3 (p4), momentum conservation gives
p1 + p2 = p3 + p4

If you now consider the scattering in the frame where the threemomentum of the incoming positron = 0. Why does then defining threemomentum p4=p3 imply that they equal 0?
And why does defining p3*p4=0 (three vectors) imply that p3(threevector)=0 or p4=0?

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried: 4-vectors: p1+p2=p3+p4
square this: (p1)^2 + (p2)^2 + 2*p1*p2= (p3)^2 + (p4)^2 + 2*p3*p4

(p1)^2=(p3)^2=m (electron mass)
(p2)^2=(p4)^2=M (positron mass)

So: p1*p2=p3*p4
The lab frame condition gives:
p1(0)*p2(0)=p3(0)*p4(0)-p3*p4(three-vectors)

But what are the next steps?
(I hope I made clear the problem, it isn't very readable I'm afraid...)
 
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I'll try a little LATEX to make the problem more clear:

<br /> p_{1} + p_{2} = p_{3} + p_{4}<br />
These are four vectors of the in- and going momenta

You take the frame where the threemomentum p_{2}=0

Questions:
1) Why does then defining threemomentum p_{4}=p_{3} imply that p_{4}=p_{3}=0? (threemomenta!)
And why does defining p_{3}*p_{4}=0 (three vectors) imply that p_{3}=0 or p_{4}=0?

3. The Attempt at a Solution

I tried: 4-vectors: <br /> p_{1} + p_{2} = p_{3} + p_{4}<br />
square this: (p_{1})^(2) + (p_{2})^(2) + 2p_{1}p_{2}= (p_{3})^(2) + (p_{4})^(2) + 2p_{3}p_{4}<br /> //<br /> (p_{1})^(2)=(p_{3})^(2)=m (electron mass)<br /> (p_{2})^(2)=(p_{4})^(2)=M (positron mass)<br />
So: p_{1}p_{2}=p_{3}*p_{4}
The lab frame condition gives:
p_{1}^{0}p_{2}^{0}=p_{3}^{0}p_{4}^{0}-p_{3}*p_{4}(three-vectors)

But what are the next steps?
(I hope I made clear the problem, it isn't very readable I'm afraid...)
 

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