Special Relativity 2-D Collision Problem

AI Thread Summary
A particle of mass M at rest decays into three identical particles, each of mass m, with two particles moving at relativistic speeds in the -x and -y directions. The user initially struggled with calculating the direction and speed of the third particle and questioned the validity of their momentum conservation approach due to relativistic effects. They applied conservation of momentum and energy equations, ultimately finding that the speed of the third particle is 0.9c and the mass ratio M/m is 5.21. The user concluded that the components of relativistic momentum can be treated as equal, resolving their initial confusion. The calculations confirm the conservation principles in special relativity for this collision problem.
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Homework Statement


This is my first time posting here, so please let me know if I do not have the proper format.

A particle of mass M is at rest in the laboratory when it decays into three identical particles, each of mass m. Two of the particles have velocities and directions as shown (one travels in the -x direction with a speed of 4c/5 and another travels in the -y direction with a speed of 3c/5. Calculate the direction and speed of the third particle (shown on the diagram moving with +x and +y components at some angle above the x axis) and find the ratio M/m.

I'm not sure (1) if the way I solved for v and the ratio is correct and (2) how to find the direction of the third particle. I originally solved it by saying the components of momentum are equal, but I don't think that would be correct because it is relativistic. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Homework Equations



ρ = mv\gamma
E = mc2\gamma

The Attempt at a Solution



By conservation of momentum, ρi = ρf, so:
0 = (3/4)mc + (4/3)mc + v3\gamma3
v3\gamma3 = -(3/4)c - (4/3)c

After plugging in gamma to solve for v3:
v/sqrt(1-v2/c2) = -(25/12)c
v = +/- sqrt(c2/((144/625) + 1))
v = 0.9c

By conservation of energy, Ei = Ef, so:
Mc2 = (5/4)mc2 + (5/3)mc2 + 2.294mc2 where 2.294 is \gamma3 (found using v solved for above)

so M = 5.21m
M/m = 5.21
 
Last edited:
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Never mind, I think I got the answer. The components of relativistic momentum are just equal.
 
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