Special Relativity-particle physics

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The discussion focuses on the decay of a top quark into a W boson and a b quark, emphasizing the need to apply conservation of energy and momentum principles. Participants are tasked with calculating the momentum and energy of the daughter particles when the top quark is at rest, as well as determining the maximum momentum of the W boson when the top quark has an energy of 250 GeV. The relevant equation for energy in relativistic physics is highlighted as E = √((pc)² + (mc²)²). Participants express a need for assistance in starting the calculations. The thread underscores the importance of understanding relativistic expressions in particle physics.
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Special Relativity--particle physics

Homework Statement



A top quark with mass Mtop=170 GeV/c^2 decays to a W boson with mass Mw=80 GeV/c^2 and a b quark with mass Mb=5 GeV.

a. Find the momentum and energy of each of the daughter particles if a top quark decays at rest.

b. What is the highest momentum W boson that can arise from the decay of a top quark that has energy Etop= 250 GeV.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I have no clue where to start with this one. I need some serious help. Any help guys?
 
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You will need to use conservation of energy and momentum. Are you familiar with the relativistic expressions for energy? It is

E = \sqrt{(pc)^2 + (mc^2)^2}.
 
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