How Does the Lambda Zero Particle Decay Affect Kinetic Energy and Momentum?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the decay of the lambda zero particle into two other particles, focusing on the calculations of kinetic energy and momentum. The decay process involves a loss of mass, which can be calculated using E=mc^2 to determine the kinetic energy produced. The momentum and kinetic energy of the resulting particles, a pion and a proton, need to be derived using conservation principles. The lambda particle is initially at rest, and the two decay products move in opposite directions, necessitating the application of conservation of momentum and energy to solve for their individual kinetic energies. The participant expresses confusion about how to proceed with these calculations after determining the initial kinetic energy.
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Homework Statement


a subatomic particle called lambda zero decas spontaneously at rest into 2 other particles. Their masses are m(lambda zero) = 2183.3 me, m(1) = 273.2 me, m(2) = 1836.2 me, where me = 9.11E-31.
a) How muchkinetic energy in this process by loss of mass?

b) What is the momentum and kinetic energy of (1) and of (2)?

Homework Equations


K=0.5mv^2
p=mv

The Attempt at a Solution



a) How muchkinetic energy in this process by loss of mass?

All I did was use E=mc^2. I found the amount of mass missing, and multiplied it by the speed of light squared.

b) What is the momentum and kinetic energy of (1) and of (2)?

No idea how to do this?

I know that my answer for (a) equals the kinetic energies of the 2 particles added together. I'm lost from here...
 
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