Change in mass in the decay process
Not what you're looking for?
Consider a decay process: A --> B + C, where the particle masses Ma, Mb, Mc are known. Let us go the rest frame of A particle, so that in this frame it is not moving. What is the energy of A in this frame? If particle B has a momentum p, what is the total energy of the outgoing particles? Can you now use conservation of energy to argue that in order for the decay to be possible Ma (greater or equal to) Mb + Mc.
Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary
In this solution, a mathematical proof is given for the fact that a particle's total mass is less than initial mass when it decays from one to two particles.
Solution Preview
By momentum law,
pA = pB + pC
but, pA = 0, and pB = p
Therefore,
pC = - p
By energy law,
mA c2 = ( (mB c2)2 + ...
Education
- BEng, Allahabad University, India
- MSc , Pune University, India
- PhD (IP), Pune University, India
Recent Feedback
- " In question 2, you incorrectly add in the $3.00 dividend that was just paid to determine the value of the stock price using the dividend discount model. In question 4 response, it should have also been recognized that dividend discount models are not useful if any of the parameters used in the model are inaccurate. "
- "feedback: fail to recognize the operating cash flow will not begin until the end of year 3."
- "Answer was correct"
- "Great thanks"
- "Perfect solution..thank you"
Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
The Moon
Test your knowledge of moon phases and movement.
Basic Physics
This quiz will test your knowledge about basic Physics.
Intro to the Physics Waves
Some short-answer questions involving the basic vocabulary of string, sound, and water waves.
Introduction to Nanotechnology/Nanomaterials
This quiz is for any area of science. Test yourself to see what knowledge of nanotechnology you have. This content will also make you familiar with basic concepts of nanotechnology.
Classical Mechanics
This quiz is designed to test and improve your knowledge on Classical Mechanics.