Why Are Photons Emitted in Neutral Particle Annihilations?

In summary, the conversation discusses the production of photons by charged particles through the annihilation of neutral particles and their antiparticles. However, this process is rare and the branching ratio depends on various factors, such as the available energy. The production of other particles, including electron-positron pairs, is also possible depending on the energy of the collision.
  • #1
Ruslan_Sharipov
104
1
It is well known that photon is a quant of electromagnetic field. It is also well known that the electromagnetic field is produced by charged particles. Assume that some neutral particle annihilates with its antiparticle. Why a photon is emitted as a resuilt, not a quant of some other field?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Neutral particles (like the neutron-antineutron) that annihilate are usually hadrons, and annihilate to mesons. Annihilation of hadrons to pure photons is rare.
 
  • #3
Ruslan_Sharipov said:
It is well known that photon is a quant of electromagnetic field. It is also well known that the electromagnetic field is produced by charged particles. Assume that some neutral particle annihilates with its antiparticle. Why a photon is emitted as a resuilt, not a quant of some other field?

It isn't just photons. The branching ratio depends on many things, but you can get electron-positron pairs as well. And just about anything else you want provided your available energy due to the collision is large enough. The branching ratio for photons is pretty high at low energies because there isn't enough energy to produce more "exotic" particles.

-Dan
 

What are antiparticles?

Antiparticles are subatomic particles that have the same mass as their corresponding particles, but opposite charge. For example, the antiparticle of an electron is a positron, which has the same mass as an electron but a positive charge instead of a negative charge.

How are antiparticles created?

Antiparticles can be created through various processes, such as particle collisions or radioactive decay. In particle accelerators, high-energy collisions between particles can produce both particles and their corresponding antiparticles. In some cases, antiparticles can also be created through the decay of certain radioactive materials.

Are antiparticles real?

Yes, antiparticles are real and have been observed in various experiments. They are an important part of our understanding of particle physics and play a crucial role in theories such as quantum mechanics and the Standard Model.

What is the significance of antiparticles?

Antiparticles have significant implications in physics and cosmology. They help explain the behavior of fundamental particles and their interactions, and also play a role in the creation and evolution of the universe. Antimatter, which is made up of antiparticles, is also being studied for potential use in energy production and medical imaging.

Can antiparticles be used in practical applications?

While antiparticles have not yet been used in practical applications, research is ongoing to explore their potential uses. Some proposed applications include using antiprotons for cancer therapy and using antimatter reactions as a potential energy source. However, more research and technological advancements are needed before these potential applications can become a reality.

Similar threads

  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
881
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
3
Views
992
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
6
Views
1K
Back
Top