How much energy is released in a matter-antimatter annihilation event?

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In summary, science-fiction movies and TV shows often refer to antimatter propulsion drives, but this is not as far-fetched as it may seem. In a matter-antimatter annihilation event, a particle and its antiparticle release all of their mass energy, which can be calculated using the equation E=mc2. The total mass of protons and antiprotons needed to produce 1 kWh of energy is equivalent to 938.3 MeV/c2 or 1.6726 x 10-27 kg. This concept is often used in science fiction, but it also has very real and powerful applications in the real world.
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abohn1
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Science-fiction movies and TV shows often refer to antimatter propulsion
drives. This is not as far-fetched as it may seem. In a matter-antimatter
annihilation event, a particle and its antiparticle annihilate each other and
release all of their mass energy (such as in the reaction p+p→2γ, for
example). How many of these matter-antimatter annihilation events are
needed to get our kWh of energy? And what is the total mass of protons and
antiprotons required to do this?

Hint: The antiproton has the same mass as that of the proton,
938.3 MeV/c2 = 1.6726ï10-27 kg.

I'm not great with the whole concept of anti-matter, any help please? Such as equations to use and general concepts?
 
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Welcome to PF!

Hi abohn1! Welcome to PF! :smile:

(try using the X2 tag just above the Reply box :wink:)

You don't need to know anything about anti-matter (and it's the same as matter, anyway :wink:) …

just use e = mc2. :smile:
 
  • #3
actually antimatter-matter collisions create so much power! one particle of antimatter with one particle of matter will create 200 times the energy of a hydrogen bomb!
 

1. What is matter-antimatter energy?

Matter-antimatter energy, also known as antimatter, is a type of energy that is created when a particle of matter meets its corresponding particle of antimatter and they annihilate each other, releasing a large amount of energy in the form of gamma rays.

2. How is matter-antimatter energy different from regular matter?

Matter-antimatter energy is essentially the opposite of regular matter. While regular matter is made up of particles with a positive charge, antimatter is made up of particles with a negative charge. When matter and antimatter come into contact, they annihilate each other, releasing energy.

3. How is matter-antimatter energy used in scientific research?

Matter-antimatter energy is used in scientific research to study the fundamental properties of particles and to understand the origins of the universe. Scientists also hope to harness antimatter as a potential source of energy for spacecraft propulsion and medical imaging.

4. How is matter-antimatter energy created?

Matter-antimatter energy is created through a process called pair production, where a high-energy photon is converted into an electron-positron pair. Antimatter can also be created in particle accelerators, where high-speed particles collide with each other to produce new particles and antiparticles.

5. Is matter-antimatter energy dangerous?

Matter-antimatter energy can be dangerous if not handled properly. When matter and antimatter come into contact, they release a large amount of energy in the form of gamma rays, which can be harmful to living organisms. However, scientists have found ways to safely contain and study antimatter in controlled environments.

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