Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 26 - The Special Theory of Relativity - Problems - Page 768: 35

Answer

$1.3\frac{MeV}{c^2}=2.3\times10^{-30}kg$

Work Step by Step

A photon has momentum $0.65\frac{MeV}{c}$, and therefore each has energy of 0.65 MeV. Let the photons make a head-on collision so that the system momentum is 0. The created particle will be stationary, so all of the initial energy (of the 2 photons) turns into the mass-energy of the new particle. The heaviest possible particle has a mass of $1.3\frac{MeV}{c^2}$. (In kg, this is $2.3\times10^{-30}kg$).
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