Electron and virtual electron-positron pair

In summary, an electron is a subatomic particle with a negative charge that orbits the nucleus of an atom. A virtual electron is a particle that exists for a very short period of time and cannot be directly observed, but plays a role in the behavior of atoms and molecules. A positron is the antiparticle of an electron and has a positive charge. When an electron and positron collide, they annihilate each other and produce energy. A virtual electron-positron pair is a pair of particles that are created and destroyed in a very short amount of time due to fluctuations in the quantum vacuum. They are important in quantum field theory and related to the uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics, playing a role in understanding the behavior of particles at the
  • #1
Philipsmett
78
4
What is the probability that an electron will be annihilated by a virtual electron-positron pair?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Philipsmett said:
What is the probability that an electron will be annihilated by a virtual electron-positron pair?

None. The electron could annihilate the positron of a virtual electron-positron pair, but that would just transfer the energy to the leftover electron of the pair, which wouldn't be virtual any more. But this process is indistinguishable from an electron just going from place to place with no virtual pair at all. So there is no meaningful probability for it.
 

1. What is an electron?

An electron is a subatomic particle with a negative charge that orbits the nucleus of an atom. It is one of the fundamental particles that make up matter.

2. What is a virtual electron?

A virtual electron is a particle that exists for a very short period of time and cannot be directly observed. It is created by the interaction of other particles and plays a role in the behavior of atoms and molecules.

3. What is a positron?

A positron is the antiparticle of an electron, meaning it has the same mass as an electron but with a positive charge. When an electron and positron collide, they annihilate each other and produce energy.

4. What is a virtual electron-positron pair?

A virtual electron-positron pair is a pair of particles that are created and destroyed in a very short amount of time due to the fluctuations in the quantum vacuum. They are important in quantum field theory and can influence the behavior of particles.

5. How are electron-positron pairs related to quantum mechanics?

Electron-positron pairs are a result of the uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics, which allows for the temporary creation of particles and antiparticles. They also play a role in understanding the behavior of particles at the subatomic level.

Similar threads

  • Quantum Physics
Replies
6
Views
934
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
3
Views
233
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
6
Views
526
Replies
2
Views
892
Replies
46
Views
4K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
4
Views
952
Replies
9
Views
893
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
30
Views
4K
Replies
4
Views
656
Back
Top