A π0 meson is an unstable particle produced in high-energy particle collisions. Its rest energy is approximately 135 MeV, and it exists for a lifetime of only 8.70 × 10-17 s before decaying into two gamma rays. Using the uncertainty principle, estimate the fractional uncertainty Δm/m in its mass determination.

A π0 meson is an unstable particle produced in high-energy particle collisions. Its rest energy is approximately 135 MeV, and it exists for a lifetime of only 8.70 × 10-17 s before decaying into two gamma rays. Using the uncertainty principle, estimate the fractional uncertainty Δm/m in its mass determination.

University Physics Volume 3

17th Edition

ISBN:9781938168185

Author:William Moebs, Jeff Sanny

Publisher:William Moebs, Jeff Sanny

Chapter7: Quantum Mechanics

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 35P: Some unstable elementary particle has a rest energy of 80.41 GeV and an uncertainty in rest energy...

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