What happens when an electron and positron collide

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of antimatter and its behavior when colliding with regular matter. The idea of annihilation and energy radiation is questioned, with a suggestion that the particles may actually turn into something else, potentially photons. However, it is noted that the observed behavior is consistent with the particles turning into photons and other particles being created with sufficient energy. The possibility of elastic scattering and positronium formation is also mentioned.
  • #1
robertjford80
388
0
I was listening to this radio program (Google: In Our Time Antimatter) and they kept saying that when an electron and a positron collide they annihilate and radiate energy. I have a feeling that that's not right. I have a hunch that the particles turn into something else which then radiates outward, carrying the heart with them.
 
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  • #2
you meant heat :p hahaha
As for the post, why do you have this feeling? I mean why is it so weird to accept them turning into photons and isn't it weird to accept they'd become something else that would afterwards emit photons.
In fact that they turn into photons is what we observe and it's energy-consistent. Also we haven't observed that "something" you proposed.
 
  • #3
They can turn into photons - and at low energies, that is the only possible process.*
They do not "radiate energy", energy is not a particle. They radiate photons.

If the collision happens with sufficient energy, other particles can get created.

*neglecting the extremely tiny probability to get neutrinos.
 
  • #4
mfb said:
They can turn into photons - and at low energies, that is the only possible process.*
...

Of course, there is also the possibility of elastic scattering:
http://theory.sinp.msu.ru/comphep_html/tutorial/QED/node5.html
 
  • #5
Well, sure. You can also count positronium formation.
 
  • #6
But still the OP has not made clear what he has in mind...
 
  • #7
Just the usual collision/scattering. One of the two:
1. elastic collision (positron+electron coming out, with same of different momentum; lab frame of centre of mass frame)
2. inelastic collision (produces other particles such as photons, and anything else allowed by kinematics; to calculate the probabilities of different final product particles you need to evaluate associated Feynman integral)

S.
 

1. What is an electron and a positron?

An electron is a subatomic particle with a negative charge that orbits the nucleus of an atom. A positron is the antiparticle of an electron, with the same mass but a positive charge.

2. What happens when an electron and positron collide?

When an electron and positron collide, they annihilate each other, releasing energy in the form of gamma rays.

3. Why do electrons and positrons annihilate each other?

Electrons and positrons have opposite charges, so when they come into contact, they attract and ultimately cancel each other out, resulting in annihilation.

4. What is the significance of electron-positron annihilation?

This process is important in the field of particle physics as it provides evidence for the existence of antimatter and helps scientists understand the fundamental forces and interactions of subatomic particles.

5. Can electron-positron annihilation be harnessed for practical use?

Yes, in certain applications, such as positron emission tomography (PET) scans, electron-positron annihilation is intentionally created and used to produce gamma rays for medical imaging purposes.

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