We present results for the charged-particle multiplicity distribution at mid-rapidity in Au - Au collisions at sqrt(s_NN)=130 GeV measured with the PHENIX detector at RHIC. For the 5% most central collisions we find $dN_{ch}/d\eta_{|\eta=0} = 622 \pm 1 (stat) \pm 41 (syst)$. The results, analyzed as a function of centrality, show a steady rise of the particle density per participating nucleon with centrality.
130 GeV is sqrt(S) per nucleon-nucleon collision. N(C=N_NUCLEONS) and N(C=N_COLLISONS) are the number of participating nucleons and binary collisions. The statistical errors are negligible and only systematic errors are quoted. COL(NAME=CENTRALITY) is centrality.
The first measurement of energy produced transverse to the beam direction at RHIC is presented. The mid-rapidity transverse energy density per participating nucleon rises steadily with the number of participants, closely paralleling the rise in charged-particle density, such that E_T / N_ch remains relatively constant as a function of centrality. The energy density calculated via Bjorken's prescription for the 2% most central Au+Au collisions at sqrt(s_NN)=130 GeV is at least epsilon_Bj = 4.6 GeV/fm^3 which is a factor of 1.6 larger than found at sqrt(s_NN)=17.2 GeV (Pb+Pb at CERN).
130 GeV is sqrt(S) per nucleon-nucleon collision. The statistical errors are negligible and only systematic errors are quoted. COL(NAME=CENTRALITY) is centrality.
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