When a particle and an antiparticle come together, they a. annihilate each other, releasing photons. b. create a black hole. c. release enormous amounts of energy. d. create new particles.

When a particle and an antiparticle come together, they annihilate each other and release photons. A photon is a particle of light. It carries energy but has no mass. In the annihilation process, the mass of the particle and antiparticle converts into energy, which is released as photons. This follows Einstein's famous equation \(E = mc^2\), which states that mass can be converted into energy. The photons emitted during this process can be observed and measured using various scientific instruments. This phenomenon is a fundamental concept in particle physics and illustrates the wave-particle duality of light. The emitted photons are usually gamma rays, a form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation.

Energy conversion is a key concept in particle-antiparticle annihilation. When these particles meet, their mass is converted into energy, mainly in the form of photons. The conversion process adheres to the conservation of energy principle, stating that energy cannot be created or destroyed but only transformed. During annihilation, the entire mass of the particles is transformed into energy, demonstrating the direct relationship between mass and energy. This is an excellent example of how tiny amounts of mass can produce significant amounts of energy. Understanding this conversion helps in comprehending nuclear reactions and other high-energy processes within the universe.

Particle physics is the branch of science that studies the fundamental particles of the universe and their interactions. One of the fundamental principles in particle physics is the existence of particles and antiparticles. Every particle has an antiparticle with the same mass but opposite charge. When a particle meets its antiparticle, they annihilate each other, resulting in the release of energy. This annihilation is a primary process observed in high-energy environments, such as within particle accelerators or in cosmic rays. Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing theories about the fundamental forces and the structure of matter. The study of particle physics reveals the underlying principles of the universe and helps scientists understand how the cosmos works at the most fundamental level.