Chapter 6: Q21E (page 1520)

If a $Σ^{+}$ at rest decays into a proton and a $π °$ , what is the total kinetic energy of the decay products?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The total kinetic energy of the decay products is $115.7 MeV$ .

Step by step solution

State Principle of conservation of energy in the decay process

Energy in the decay process is always conserved. Energy can not be destroyed. It can change forms, but the total amount always remains the same.

Calculate the kinetic energy of decay products

The $Σ^{+}$ particle decays into meson $π^{0}$ and proton.

The $Σ °$ is initially at rest, so all of its energy is in the form of its rest energy.

Rest energy of $Σ^{a}$ is, localid="1667801562408" ${E_{Σ}}^{+} = 1189 MeV$
Rest energy of $π °$ is, localid="1667801582728" $E_{π^{o}} - 135 MeV$
Rest energy of $ρ$ is $E_{ρ} = 938.3 MeV$

From the conservation of energy,

localid="1667801599078" $E_{Σ^{+}} = E_{α^{v}} + E_{ρ} + K K = 1189 MeV - 135 MeV - 938.3 MeV K = 115.7 MeV$

Therefore, The total kinetic energy of the decay products is $115.7 MeV$ .

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If a $Σ^{+}$ at rest decays into a proton and a $π °$ , what is the total kinetic energy of the decay products?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

State Principle of conservation of energy in the decay process

Calculate the kinetic energy of decay products

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If a Σ+at rest decays into a proton and a π°, what is the total kinetic energy of the decay products?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

State Principle of conservation of energy in the decay process

Calculate the kinetic energy of decay products

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Nuclear Physics

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Electrostatics

Scientific Method Physics

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

If a $Σ^{+}$ at rest decays into a proton and a $π °$ , what is the total kinetic energy of the decay products?