How is Muon Speed Derived from Pion Decay Using Special Relativity?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the speed of a muon resulting from the decay of a pion using principles of special relativity. The decay process is represented by the equation π+ → μ+ + ν, where the pion is initially at rest and the neutrino mass approaches zero. The derived formula for the speed of the muon is u/c = ((mπ/mμ)² - 1) / ((mπ/mμ)² + 1). Key equations utilized include conservation of momentum and energy, specifically E_total = KE + rest energy and p = γmv.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity principles, particularly energy and momentum conservation.
  • Familiarity with particle physics concepts, specifically pion and muon properties.
  • Proficiency in algebraic manipulation and solving equations involving gamma factors.
  • Basic knowledge of LaTeX for mathematical expressions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Lorentz transformations in special relativity.
  • Explore the concept of relativistic momentum and its implications in particle decay.
  • Learn about the properties of neutrinos and their role in particle interactions.
  • Practice solving problems involving conservation laws in particle physics.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, particularly those studying particle physics and special relativity, as well as educators looking for practical examples of momentum and energy conservation in decay processes.

abeboparebop
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I'm not sure whether this should go in this forum or the Advanced forum, but here goes.

Homework Statement


Given:
A pion+ decays into muon+ and neutrino,
\pi^+ \rightarrow \mu^+ + \nu
neutrino mass approaches zero, and
the pion is initially at rest.

Problem statement: Use conservation of momentum and energy to show that the speed of the muon is given by:

\frac{u}{c} = \frac{(m_\pi/m_\mu)^2 - 1}{(m_\pi/m_\mu)^2 + 1}

Homework Equations


E_total = KE + rest energy = (gamma-1)m*c^2 + m*c^2 = gamma*m*c^2

E_t = (\gamma-1)mc^2 + mc^2 = \gamma mc^2

p = \gamma mv

The Attempt at a Solution


I assume that the fact that pion is initially at rest, in combination with conservation of momentum, means that total momentum of the muon and neutrino is zero. Given that the neutrino mass ~ zero (as stated in the problem), it would seem that it's momentum is zero, therefore the momentum of the muon is zero, therefore the velocity of the muon is zero. This is obviously not the case, as the problem gives me an equation to solve towards.

I tried setting the mass energy of the pion equal to the total energy of the muon (mass energy plus kinetic energy), and solving for v/c, but I got an answer quite different from the stated solution. Is the problem here an algebra error or do I need to account somehow for the momentum of the neutrino?

Thanks for the help.
 
Last edited:
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Trying to figure out LaTeX... sorry it's transitionally ugly.
 
after setting c=1 (for convenience) use the following to help establish the result
E_\nu = p_\nu
E^2_\mu = p^2_\mu+m^2_\mu
m_\pi=E_\pi = E_\mu+E_\nu
p_\mu + p_\nu=0

write everything in terms of E_\mu, p_\mu, m_\pi, m_\nu and note that u=p_\mu/E_\mu.
 

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