Question

5336: In the decay π⁰ → γ + γ, what is the energy of each γ ray if the π⁰ is at rest when it decays?

a) 2mπ0/c
b) mπ0c/2
c) mπ0c²/2
d) 2mπ 0c²/c
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Answer 1

The energy of each γ ray in the decay of a neutral pion at rest, π⁰ → γ + γ, is equal to half the energy of the pion (mπ⁰c²/2).

Step-by-step explanation:

The energy of each γ ray in the decay of a neutral pion at rest, π⁰ → γ + γ, is equal to half the energy of the pion. This is because energy is conserved in the decay process, and the total energy of the decay products must equal the energy of the initial pion. Since the pion is at rest, its energy is equal to its rest mass energy (mπ⁰c²). Therefore, each γ ray will have an energy of half the rest mass energy of the pion, which is mπ⁰c²/2.