(a) Prove that when a particle with mass m and kinetic energy K collides with a stationary particle with mass M, the total kinetic energy Kcm in the center-of-mass coordinate system (the energy available to cause reactions) is Kcm = M/M + m K Assume that the kinetic energies of the particles and nuclei are much lower than their rest energies.
(b) If Kth is the minimum, or threshold, kinetic energy to cause an endoergic reaction to occur in the situation of part (a), show that Kcm = – M + m/ M Q