Electron/Positron Annihilation

In summary, the conversation is discussing a problem of proving that when a positron and an electron annihilate, the addition of their wavelengths equals a value represented by Lcompton(1-cos(theta)), where theta is the angle between the two produced photons. The conversation also mentions using relativity equations and conservation of energy and momentum to solve the problem. There is also a mention of Feynman diagrams and 4-momentum conservation. The conversation is discussing a college-level problem and expects it to take longer than 10 minutes to solve.
  • #1
Feynmanfan
129
0
Well, I've been trying to figure out how to prove that when a positron and an electron annihilate and two photons are produced, the addition of their wavelengths equals

L1+L2=Lcompton(1-cos(theta)) where theta is the angle that separates both photons.

It's a relativity problem I guess. I keep trying E^2=Eo^2+c^2p^2 and other formulae but get no result.

Thanks for your help
 
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  • #2
What is L?
 
  • #3
I think he means lambda.
 
  • #4
Who's wavelengths are u referring to...?Draw a diagram (not the Feynman diagram,it's useless) and use conservation of 4 momentum...

Daniel.
 
  • #5
dextercioby said:
Draw a diagram (not the Feynman diagram,it's useless) and use conservation of 4 momentum...
Just in case the Original poster hasn't learned 4 vactor yet...

here is another way to approach this problem:
Use conservation of energy and momentum...
the algebra might be a little bit messy, this is college level problem, don't expect you can finish it in 10 minutes
 
  • #6
He's Feynmanfan,he SHOULD know everything about Feynman diagrams & 4momentum conservation.

:wink:

Daniel.
 

What is electron/positron annihilation?

Electron/positron annihilation is a process in which an electron and a positron (its antiparticle) collide and are transformed into energy in the form of two high-energy photons.

What is the significance of electron/positron annihilation?

This process is important in understanding the behavior of subatomic particles and their interactions. It is also used in medical imaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography (PET), to detect and track the movement of positrons in the body.

How is electron/positron annihilation different from other types of particle collisions?

Electron/positron annihilation is unique because it results in the complete conversion of matter into energy, whereas other particle collisions may produce new particles or fragments.

What are the potential applications of electron/positron annihilation in scientific research?

In addition to its use in medical imaging, electron/positron annihilation can also be used to create high-energy gamma rays for studying the properties of matter and the behavior of particles in extreme conditions.

Can electron/positron annihilation be used for energy production?

While electron/positron annihilation does produce a large amount of energy, it is not currently a viable source of energy production due to the high cost and complexity of creating and controlling electron-positron collisions.

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