Total Energy of 2 Photons from Positron-Electron Boom

In summary, the total energy of 2 photons from a positron-electron boom is equal to the rest mass energy of the positron and electron, plus the kinetic energy released during the annihilation process. This can be calculated using the formula E = mc^2, where E is the energy, m is the mass, and c is the speed of light. After the boom, the total energy is released in the form of gamma rays and can be converted into other forms of energy, although it is relatively small compared to other forms of energy.
  • #1
PsychonautQQ
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so if a positron and an electron boom each other and create 2 photons, how do I tell the total energy of the two photons? does a positron have anti mass equal to the magnitude of the electron? so the two photons total energy would be 2(m_e)*c^2
 
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  • #2
Positrons and electrons have equal mass. Total energy of the photons would be equal to the sum of the two particles' masses plus the kinetic energy they had at the time of the annihilation event.
 

1. What is the total energy of 2 photons from a positron-electron boom?

The total energy of 2 photons from a positron-electron boom is equal to the rest mass energy of the positron and electron, which is 1.02 MeV (megaelectronvolts), plus the kinetic energy released during the annihilation process.

2. How is the total energy of 2 photons calculated in a positron-electron boom?

The total energy of 2 photons can be calculated using the formula E = mc^2, where E is the energy, m is the mass, and c is the speed of light. In the case of a positron-electron boom, the mass is the combined rest mass of the positron and electron, and the energy is the total energy released during the annihilation process.

3. What happens to the total energy of 2 photons after a positron-electron boom?

The total energy of 2 photons is released in the form of gamma rays after a positron-electron boom. These photons can then travel through space at the speed of light until they are absorbed by another particle or object.

4. How does the total energy of 2 photons from a positron-electron boom compare to other forms of energy?

The total energy of 2 photons from a positron-electron boom is relatively small compared to other forms of energy, such as nuclear energy or solar energy. However, it is still a significant amount of energy that can be harnessed for various purposes.

5. Can the total energy of 2 photons from a positron-electron boom be converted into other forms of energy?

Yes, the total energy of 2 photons from a positron-electron boom can be converted into other forms of energy through various processes, such as absorbing the photons with a material and converting them into electrical energy. However, this conversion process is not very efficient and currently not a practical means of energy production.

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