Special relativity - Transformation of angles

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the transformation of angles in a three-particle decay scenario within the framework of special relativity. Participants analyze the 4-momentum of particles in both the center of mass (CM) frame and the rest frame of one particle. The key equations involve the invariance of the inner product of 4-momenta and the application of Lorentz boosts to derive the cosine of the angle between particles. The final expression for the cosine of the angle is given as cos(θ) = (3E^4 - 4E^2m^2 + m^4) / (3E^4 - 2E^2m^2 - m^4), with suggestions to simplify the result further.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity concepts, particularly Lorentz transformations.
  • Familiarity with 4-momentum notation and calculations.
  • Knowledge of particle decay processes and energy-momentum conservation.
  • Ability to perform algebraic simplifications and calculus in physics contexts.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Lorentz transformations in detail, focusing on their application to particle physics.
  • Learn about the conservation of 4-momentum in particle decay scenarios.
  • Explore the derivation and implications of the invariant mass in special relativity.
  • Investigate further simplifications of expressions involving energy and momentum in particle interactions.
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, particularly those studying particle physics and special relativity, as well as researchers working on decay processes and relativistic kinematics.

Aleolomorfo
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Homework Statement


Let's have a three-particle decay of equal mass ##m##; in the CM frame the three particles have equal energy ##E## and they form angles of ##\frac{2\pi}{3}## between each other. Which is the angle between two of the three particles in the rest frame of the other one. (The z-axis is along the direction of particle 1)
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Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I need a confirmation about my reasoning. I have written the 4-momentum in both frames;
$$p_1=(E,0,0,\sqrt{E^2-m^2})$$
$$p_2=(E,0,\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\sqrt{E^2-m^2},-\frac{1}{2}\sqrt{E^2-m^2})$$
$$p_3=(E,0,-\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\sqrt{E^2-m^2},-\frac{1}{2}\sqrt{E^2-m^2})$$
$$k_1=(m,0,0,0)$$
$$k_2=(E',\vec{k_2})$$
$$k_3=(E',\vec{k_3})$$
With ##|\vec{k_2}|=\sqrt{E'^2-m^2}## and ##|\vec{k_3}|=\sqrt{E'^2-m^2}##.
I have used the invariance of ##p_2^\mu p_{3\mu}=k_2^\mu k_{3\mu}## with:
$$k_2^\mu k_{3\mu}=E'^2-|\vec{k_1}||\vec{k_2}|\cos\theta=E'^2-(E'^2-m^2)cos\theta$$
$$p_2^\mu p_{3\mu}=\frac{1}{2}(3E^2-m^2)$$
I have to find the value of ##E'## with a lorentz boost of ##v=\frac{\sqrt{E^2-m^2}}{E}##: ##E'=\gamma(E-vp_z)##. With a bit of calculus I have found:
$$cos\theta=\frac{3E^4-4E^2m^2+m^4}{3E^4-2E^2m^2-m^4}$$
The result seems a bit strange and so I have the doubt that my solution is wrong, maybe I have made a calculus mistake and the reasoning is right.
 

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I think your result is correct. If you factor the numerator and denominator in your final result, it will simplify.

A nice way to get an expression for ##E'## is to set up ##p_1^{\mu} p_{2 \mu} = k_1^{\mu} k_{2 \mu}##
 
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TSny said:
I think your result is correct. If you factor the numerator and denominator in your final result, it will simplify.

A nice way to get an expression for ##E'## is to set up ##p_1^{\mu} p_{2 \mu} = k_1^{\mu} k_{2 \mu}##

Thank you very much
 

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