- #1
captain
- 164
- 0
what does it mean when somebody says that a particle is on its mass shell? I have somewhat but not full understanding of that.
In summary, a particle mass shell is a theoretical concept that describes the allowed energy and momentum values for a particle and is represented as a sphere in energy-momentum space. Understanding particle mass shells is crucial in predicting and interpreting particle behavior in high-energy collisions. Factors such as mass, spin, charge, and energy can affect the shape of a particle's mass shell. The discovery of the Higgs boson supports the theory of particle mass and provides a deeper understanding of mass shells. Particle mass shells cannot be observed directly but can be indirectly studied through experiments and observations of particle interactions and decay rates.
- #2
tiny-tim
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
- 25,839
- 258
captain said:
Ahoy there captain!
All real particles are on the mass shell.
Only pretend particles can be off-mass-shell … you use them in Feynman-type calculations, and then forget about them.
- #3
cosmik debris
- 734
- 171
A particle is on mass shell if E^2 = (pc)^2 + (mc^2)^2 holds. Virtual particles are off mass shell.
Related to Understanding Particle Mass Shells
1. What is a particle mass shell?
A particle mass shell is a theoretical concept in particle physics that describes the boundary of allowed energy and momentum values for a given particle. It is often represented graphically as a sphere in energy-momentum space, with the particle's mass determining the radius of the sphere.
2. How does understanding particle mass shells help in particle physics research?
Understanding particle mass shells is essential for predicting and interpreting the behavior of particles in high-energy collisions. The mass shell determines the range of possible particle energies and momenta, which can then be used to make predictions about the outcomes of experiments and to identify new particles.
3. What factors can affect the shape of a particle's mass shell?
The shape of a particle's mass shell can be affected by a variety of factors, including the particle's mass, spin, and charge, as well as the presence of other particles and forces in the system. In addition, the shape of the mass shell can change as a particle's energy increases, allowing for the study of particle interactions at higher energies.
4. How do particle mass shells relate to the Higgs boson?
The Higgs boson, a particle discovered in 2012, plays a crucial role in the theory of particle mass. The Higgs field, which is responsible for giving particles their mass, interacts differently with particles of different masses, resulting in different mass shells for each type of particle. The discovery of the Higgs boson confirmed the existence of this field and helped to provide a deeper understanding of particle mass.
5. Can particle mass shells be observed directly?
No, particle mass shells cannot be observed directly. They are a theoretical concept used to describe the behavior of particles in high-energy collisions. However, scientists can indirectly study and confirm the existence of mass shells through experiments and observations of particle interactions and decay rates.
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