What is the maximum wavelength photon that can produce a pair of tau particles (rest mass 1.777 GeV/c²) by pair production? A) 8.72 $\times$ 10^-8 nm B) 3.49 $\times$ 10^-7 nm C) 6.98 $\times$ 10^-7 nm D) 1.74 $\times$ 10^-7 nm

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To produce a pair of tau particles, the photon must have an energy of at least 2 x 1.777 GeV (the rest mass energy of the tau particles). Using E=hc/λ, where h is Planck's constant and c is the speed of light, we can find the corresponding maximum wavelength:

E = hc/λ

λ = hc/E

λ = (6.626 x 10^-34 J·s) x (3.00 x 10^8 m/s) / (2 x 1.777 x 10^9 eV)

λ ≈ 3.49 x 10^-7 m = 3.49 x 10^-7 nm

Therefore, the maximum wavelength photon that can produce a pair of tau particles is approximately 3.49 x 10^-7 nm, which corresponds to answer choice B.

What Is the Maximum Wavelength Photon That Can Produce a Pair