An undergraduate experiment to test relativistic kinematics using in flight positron annihilation
Abstract
The basic theoretical tenants of special relativity can be presented in introductory physics courses. However, because special relativistic effects only become apparent at velocities close to the speed of light, there are few experiments at the undergraduate level that involve special relativistic effects. We show that it is possible to experimentally verify the relation E2=p2c2+m02c4 in an undergraduate student laboratory using commercially available equipment. The experiment uses the annihilation of positrons in flight.
- Publication:
-
American Journal of Physics
- Pub Date:
- January 2006
- DOI:
- 10.1119/1.2142624
- Bibcode:
- 2006AmJPh..74...49D
- Keywords:
-
- 01.50.Pa;
- 03.30.+p;
- Laboratory experiments and apparatus;
- Special relativity