Question

Two protons (each with rest mass M=1. 67×10−27kg) are initially moving with equal speeds in opposite directions. The protons continue to exist after a collision that also produces an η0 particle. The rest mass of the η0 is m=9. 75×10−28kg. Part A If the two protons and the η0 are all at rest after the collision, find the initial speed of the protons, expressed as a fraction of the speed of light

Answer 1

The initial speed of the protons is 0 m/s, which means they were initially at rest.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the initial speed of the protons, we can use the concept of conservation of momentum. Since the protons are initially moving with equal speeds in opposite directions, their momenta cancel each other out. Therefore, the total initial momentum of the system is zero.

After the collision, the protons and the η0 particle are all at rest, so their total momentum is also zero. Using the conservation of momentum, we can equate the initial and final momenta:

(2 * mass of proton) * (initial speed of proton) = (mass of η0) * 0

Solving for the initial speed of the protons:

(2 * 1.67×10^(-27) kg) * (initial speed of proton) = (9.75×10^(-28) kg) * 0

Initial speed of proton = 0 m/s

Therefore, the initial speed of the protons is 0 m/s, which means they were initially at rest.