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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the decay of a Σ0 baryon into a Λ particle and a photon, focusing on determining the conditions that maximize the energy of the Λ particle post-decay. The problem involves concepts from particle physics and conservation laws, specifically energy and momentum conservation in different reference frames.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conservation of energy and momentum, attempting to establish equations that relate the energies and momenta of the decay products. There is exploration of the conditions under which the Λ particle can achieve maximum energy, including considerations of the directions in which the decay products move.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their attempts to derive equations and clarify the conditions for maximum energy. Some participants have provided guidance on the conservation laws and the implications of the decay configuration, while others are still grappling with the correct approach and calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework problem, which requires them to derive the maximum energy condition without providing direct solutions. There is a focus on the implications of the baryon's motion in different frames and how that affects the energy of the decay products.

  • #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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