What is the Threshold Energy of a Proton Beam to Produce 100 GeV Pions?

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SUMMARY

The minimum energy required for a proton beam to produce pions with 100 GeV of momentum is approximately 8.5 TeV. This calculation involves using the reaction equation p + n -> n + n + π⁺ and applying relativistic principles. The center of mass (CoM) frame is essential for accurate momentum calculations, as the pion's momentum must be converted from the lab frame to the CoM frame. Understanding the relativistic mass and velocity addition is crucial for determining the necessary energy of the proton beam.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of relativistic physics, particularly energy-momentum relationships.
  • Familiarity with particle physics reactions, specifically pion production.
  • Knowledge of center of mass frame concepts in collision physics.
  • Proficiency in using the equation E=mc² and relativistic velocity addition.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of relativistic energy and momentum conservation in particle collisions.
  • Learn how to convert momentum measurements between lab frame and center of mass frame.
  • Explore detailed calculations for particle production thresholds in high-energy physics.
  • Investigate the implications of gamma factor calculations in relativistic scenarios.
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Physics students, particle physicists, and researchers involved in high-energy collision experiments and pion production analysis.

Kyrios
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Homework Statement


I am trying to find the minimum energy for a proton beam to make pions that have 100Gev of momentum. The proton beam is hitting a fixed target.


Homework Equations



p + n -> n + n + ##π^{+}##

The Attempt at a Solution



In the centre of mass frame, there is zero initial momentum. But the pion has 100GeV of momentum on the other side, so I gave the neutrons the same amount in the opposite direction to cancel it out.

Then I used E=2m##c^2## for the initial energy and got the relativistic mass. (I wasn't sure about this)
The velocity was very close to the speed of light, and I then used relativistic velocity addition to find gamma. (this is for the proton colliding with the neutron)

I had gamma ~ 9000
In the end I had an answer of ##E_{proton beam}## ~ 8.5 TeV

Is this the right sort of value to be looking at? If necessary I can write up all my working.
 
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Isn't the 100 GeV momentum of the pion measured in the lab frame? If so, that's not the momentum of the pion in the center-of-mass frame.
 
How can I find out what the momentum is in the CoM frame? Do I still need the CoM frame?
 

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