Past exam of the sub-atomic physics course of the University of Oxford 2016 2 c a Solution 2026-10-25
Use and let denote the total center-of-momentum energy, not one beam's energy. Opposite equal momenta give MeV, so the kaon is at its stipulated resonance mass MeV. Write the unspecified selected exit branching fractions as and . The supplied line shape givesThe distinction between inclusive and exclusive resonance branching factors matters here. For inclusive resonance formation, sum over all decays, so . At the small kaon width cancels from the peak value:If instead the measured cross section is specifically resonant elastic , its exit branching fractions equal the entrance ones: , . ThenThe source says production without specifying an observed decay channel, so both conventions are made explicit rather than silently squaring a branching fraction for an inclusive measurement. The quoted kaon width and two-pion branching fraction identify the short-lived propagation state ; a pure flavor state is a superposition of short- and long-lived states. This exercise uses the stipulated resonance model and equal omitted proportionality factors.