Two beams of particles can be made to collide head-on at the point where the reactions are studied, providing a larger collision energy than from collisions with a stationary target. This must be true because to calculate available energy
A) what counts is the velocity of the particles relative to the Earth's rotation.
B) what counts is the velocity of the particles relative to the distant stars.
C) actual velocities are more important than relative velocities.
D) actual velocities are less important than relative velocities.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The collision energy is based on the relative velocity between the two beams of particles, which is greater in a head-on collision than in a collision with a stationary target. Therefore, actual velocities are less important than relative velocities in this case. Choices A and B are incorrect because the velocities relative to the Earth's rotation or distant stars are not relevant to the collision energy calculation. Choice C is incorrect because relative velocities are more important than actual velocities in determining the collision energy.

Two Beams of Particles Can Be Made to Collide Head-On