READING  BUBBLE CHAMBER  PICTURES   

Most bubble chamber pictures are difficult to interpret because neutral particles have escaped. However, sometimes the measured momentum of the outgoing tracks equals that of the incoming beam showing that nothing has escaped. Such cases are easy to analyze and using the conservation laws, it is possible to assign masses to the tracks.

Moreover, sometimes particles decay in a characteristic way that enable us to recognize without measuring.

The particles sign their autograph distinctly and provide enough clues to fill the missing link.

The following exercise will help you to read some bubble chamber pictures just answering some easy questions.

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