What is the maximum energy of the Λ particle after the Σ0 baryon decay?

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The discussion centers on the decay of a Σ0 baryon into a Λ particle and a photon, with a focus on determining the maximum energy of the Λ particle post-decay. The maximum energy condition occurs when the Λ and photon move in opposite directions, conserving momentum and energy. The calculations involve using conservation laws and relativistic equations to derive the energy of the Λ particle in both the rest frame of the Σ0 baryon and the lab frame. Participants clarify the importance of correctly applying relativistic transformations to find the Λ's velocity and energy in the lab frame, emphasizing the need for accurate configuration understanding. Ultimately, the discussion highlights the complexities of particle decay and energy calculations in relativistic physics.
  • #31
i had 0.034c as the velocity of the lambda in the sigma rest frame. then using 2gev as the energy of the sigma in the lab frame, I calculated the momentum and used the relativistic momentum equation to find the sigma velocity. Then I used u' = (u-v)/(1-uv/c^2) to where u = 0.034c and v = 0.69c (sigma velocity in lab frame) to get the lambda velocity and then the energy. Or should I have used u = (u' + v)/(1 + u'v/c^2) since I am transforming from a rest frame to the actual lab frame
 
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  • #32
One will lead to a value that doesn't make sense, the other one is the right answer.
 

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