Subatomic Particle Problem

In summary, a lambda zero decays spontaneously into two other particles, with masses of m(lambda zero) = 2183.3 me, m(1) = 273.2 me, and m(2) = 1836.2 me. The kinetic energy of this process can be calculated using the equation E=mc^2, where c is the speed of light. For the momentum and kinetic energy of the two resulting particles, the conservation of momentum and energy principles must be applied.
  • #1
Fusilli_Jerry89
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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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  • #2
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I would like to provide a more detailed response to the given content. First, let's analyze the problem and understand what is happening. A subatomic particle called lambda zero is spontaneously decaying into two other particles, 1 and 2. We are given the masses of all three particles, where the mass of lambda zero is the largest and the masses of particles 1 and 2 are smaller. This indicates that the decay process results in the release of energy, which is why we see a decrease in mass.

a) To calculate the kinetic energy in this process, we can use the equation E=mc^2, where E is the energy released, m is the mass difference between the initial and final particles, and c is the speed of light. In this case, the mass difference is given by (m(lambda zero) - m(1) - m(2)), which is equal to (2183.3 - 273.2 - 1836.2) me = 73.9 me. Thus, the kinetic energy released in this process is E = (73.9 me)(c^2) = (73.9)(9.11E-31)(3E8)^2 = 6.64E-14 J.

b) To find the momentum and kinetic energy of particles 1 and 2, we can use the equations p=mv and K=0.5mv^2. For particle 1, we have p(1) = (273.2 me)(3E8) = 8.2E-22 kg*m/s and K(1) = 0.5(273.2 me)(3E8)^2 = 3.7E-13 J. Similarly, for particle 2, we have p(2) = (1836.2 me)(3E8) = 5.5E-20 kg*m/s and K(2) = 0.5(1836.2 me)(3E8)^2 = 1.6E-10 J.

It is important to note that in this type of decay process, energy and momentum are conserved. This means that the total energy and momentum of the initial particle (lambda zero) must be equal to the total energy and momentum of the final particles (1 and 2). In this case, we can see that the kinetic energy of the final
 

1. What is the Subatomic Particle Problem?

The Subatomic Particle Problem is the issue of understanding and reconciling the fundamental particles and forces that make up the universe. It involves explaining the properties and interactions of subatomic particles, such as protons, neutrons, and electrons, and understanding how they fit into the Standard Model of particle physics.

2. What are the main subatomic particles?

The main subatomic particles are protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons and neutrons make up the nucleus of an atom, while electrons orbit around the nucleus. There are also other subatomic particles, such as quarks and leptons, which make up protons, neutrons, and electrons, and other particles like bosons, which mediate the fundamental forces.

3. What is the Standard Model of particle physics?

The Standard Model is a theory that explains the fundamental particles and forces of the universe. It describes how particles interact through the strong, weak, and electromagnetic forces, and how these interactions are mediated by exchange particles. It also includes the Higgs boson, which gives particles their mass.

4. What is the current status of the Subatomic Particle Problem?

The Subatomic Particle Problem is an ongoing area of research and study in particle physics. While the Standard Model has been successful in explaining and predicting many subatomic interactions, it is still not a complete theory and has some limitations. Scientists continue to search for new particles and phenomena, such as dark matter, which may help resolve the remaining questions and challenges in the field.

5. What are the potential applications of solving the Subatomic Particle Problem?

The Subatomic Particle Problem has many potential applications in various fields, including technology, medicine, and energy. Understanding the fundamental particles and forces could lead to the development of new technologies, such as quantum computing, and advancements in medical treatments, such as cancer therapy. It could also help in developing sustainable energy sources and understanding the origins and evolution of the universe.

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