Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 12: Problem 13

What is an antiparticle? What may happen when a particle and its anti collide?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: An antiparticle is a subatomic particle with the same mass as its corresponding particle but has an opposite electric charge and other particle properties, such as quantum numbers. When a particle and its antiparticle collide, a process called annihilation occurs, where the sum of their energy and mass is converted into energy, typically in the form of gamma-ray photons. This process is governed by the conservation of energy and has implications in particle physics, cosmology, and practical applications like medical imaging.

Step by step solution

01

Defining an antiparticle

An antiparticle is a subatomic particle with the same mass as its corresponding particle but has an opposite electric charge and other particle properties, such as quantum numbers. Antiparticles are crucial in understanding the properties of matter and the fundamental forces that govern their behavior.
02

Describing annihilation

When a particle and its antiparticle collide, a process called annihilation occurs, where the sum of their energy and mass is converted into energy. This energy release is often in the form of photons, typically high-energy gamma-ray photons. For example, when an electron (particle) collides with a positron (antiparticle), they annihilate each other, resulting in the release of two gamma-ray photons.
03

Energy conservation in annihilation

During annihilation, the mass-energy equivalence principle, described by Einstein's famous equation E = mc^2, comes into play. The combined mass and energy of the particle-antiparticle pair are conserved and transformed into the energy of emitted photons or other particles. This conservation ensures that the total energy remains constant before and after the collision.
04

Implications of particle-antiparticle annihilation

Particle-antiparticle annihilation has several implications in particle physics and cosmology. It helps us understand the balance between matter and antimatter in the universe. Additionally, the energy released during annihilation is used in various practical applications, such as positron emission tomography (PET) scans used for medical imaging and diagnosis.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Suppose you were traveling toward the Sun at a constant velocity of \(0.25 c\). With what speed does the light streaming out from the Sun go past you? Explain your reasoning.

Describe the kinds of evidence that have led scientists to conclude that quarks exist.

Describe the two fundamental postulates underlying Einstein's special theory of relativity.

In your own words, define what is meant by time dilation in special relativity theory. Provide a similar definition for length contraction. Give an example in which the effects of time dilation are actually observed.

If a horseshoe is heated in a blacksmith's furnace until it glows red hot, does the mass of the horseshoe change? If a spring is stretched to twice its equilibrium length, has its mass been altered in the process? If so, explain how and why in each case.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Famous Physicists

Read Explanation

Atoms and Radioactivity

Read Explanation

Dynamics

Read Explanation

Work Energy and Power

Read Explanation

Modern Physics

Read Explanation

Space Physics

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free