- #1
nonequilibrium
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- 2
Homework Statement
"Prove that pair production is not possible in the absence of matter."
Homework Equations
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The Attempt at a Solution
First of all, I'll assume a photon is considered matter, cause two photons can create a pair.
Second: I thought pairs pop into and out of existence all the time, in the absence of matter (vacuum fluctuations). So I'll also assume they mean non-virtual pairs.
Okay: imagine a virtual pair popping into existence. If there isn't anything with energy/that can give off energy nearby (matter), nothing can pay for the virtual energy, thus the pair must annihilate.
That's my attempt... Maybe I'm missing the point? (it certainly feels like that)
Thank you.