The range of the nuclear strong force is believed to be about 1.2 x 10-15 m. An early theory of nuclear physics proposed that the particle that “mediates” the strong force (similar to the photon mediating the electromagnetic force) is the pion. Assume that the pion moves at the speed of light in the nucleus, and calculate the time ∆t it takes to travel between nucleons. Assume that the distance between nucleons is also about 1.2 x 10-15 m. Use this time ∆t to calculate the energy ∆E for which energy conservation is violated during the time ∆t. This ∆E has been used to estimate the mass of the pion. What value do you determine for the mass? Compare this value with the measured value of 135 MeV/c2 for the neutral pion.
The range of the nuclear strong force is believed to be about 1.2 x 10-15 m. An early theory of
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