What Does 'Per MeV' Mean in Muon Energy Loss Calculations?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the interpretation of the unit 'per MeV' in muon energy loss calculations, specifically in the context of muons with an energy of 50 GeV interacting with concrete. The mean energy loss is expressed in g/cm²/MeV, which can be converted to cm/MeV by dividing by the material's density. The user calculates a mean range of approximately 45 meters based on a mean energy loss of 6.58 cm/MeV, clarifying that MeV refers to million electron volts, a standard unit for particle energy measurements.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of particle physics concepts, specifically muon interactions.
  • Familiarity with energy units, particularly electron volts (eV) and their conversions.
  • Knowledge of material properties, including density and its role in energy loss calculations.
  • Basic proficiency in using equations related to mean energy loss in matter.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of ionization and radiation processes affecting muons.
  • Learn about the Bethe-Bloch formula for calculating energy loss in matter.
  • Explore the concept of radiation length and its significance in particle physics.
  • Investigate the relationship between energy loss per unit distance and range in different materials.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for particle physicists, researchers in high-energy physics, and students studying muon interactions and energy loss mechanisms in various materials.

stakhanov
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I have a problem with units...

I have been looking at energy loss of muons in matter (from both ionizations and radition processes like bremsstrahlung). I have used an equation for the mean energy loss (for a muon of specified energy in a specified material) which gives an answer in units of g/cm^2/MeV. I am ok with converting this to cm/MeV I think (just divide by the density), but my problem is what does the 'per MeV' bit mean?

I have 50GeV muons going into concrete and from what I have read the mean range is ~45m. The equation I am using gives me an answer of 6.58cm/MeV (or 16.44g/cm^2/MeV) and I'm puzzling over how this gets converted into 45m.

Any help?
 
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MeV is million electron volts. Electron volts is the energy to raise a electron of charge through 1 volt and so 1ev= 1.6E-19J ( ie the charge on the electron in Coloumbs)
It is a more convenient sized unit of energy and mass when dealing with particles.
 

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