Solving Gamma-Ray Photon Energy: 285 keV Electron-Positron Pair

In summary, the energy of the gamma-ray photon is 1.02 MeV, which can be calculated using the equation E = mc2. The kinetic energies of the electron-positron pair can also be used to calculate the energy of the photon.
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Homework Statement


A gamma-ray photon produces an electron-positron pair, each with a kinetic energy of 285 keV.
What was the energy of the photon?

Homework Equations



E = mc2

hf = KEmax +W0

The Attempt at a Solution



E = 2(9.11*10^-31 kg)(3.0*10^8 m/s)^2 = 1.64*10^-13 J = 1.02 MeV

This isn't the answer but a similar problem in my textbook arrived at this answer. And where does 285 keV fit in all this? I know I can convert this to joules.

Should I be using a different equation possibly hf = KEmax +W0, and solve for KE? Does the 285 keV become converted to Joules and be substituted into the preceding equation as W?
 
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  • #2
Any help would be appreciated. The answer is 1.02 MeV. You can calculate this using the equation E = mc2, where m is the mass of the electron-positron pair. Since the kinetic energies of each particle is 285 keV, their total kinetic energy is 2*285 keV = 570 keV. This is equivalent to 570*1.6022*10^-16 J = 9.12*10^-14 J. The mass of the particle pair can be calculated from the equation E = mc2, which gives m = 9.12*10^-14/ (3.00*10^8)^2 = 9.11*10^-31 kg. Therefore, the total energy of the gamma ray photon is E = 2*9.11*10^-31*(3.00*10^8)^2 = 1.02 MeV.
 

1. What is gamma-ray photon energy?

Gamma-ray photon energy refers to the amount of energy carried by a single gamma-ray photon. It is measured in units of electron volts (eV) or kiloelectron volts (keV).

2. What is the significance of 285 keV in electron-positron pair production?

285 keV is the minimum energy required for a gamma-ray photon to produce an electron-positron pair. This energy is equal to the rest mass energy of an electron (511 keV) plus the kinetic energy of the particles produced.

3. How is the energy of a gamma-ray photon determined?

The energy of a gamma-ray photon is determined by its frequency or wavelength, which are related through the equation E = hν = hc/λ, where h is Planck's constant and c is the speed of light.

4. What is the process of electron-positron pair production?

Electron-positron pair production is a process where a high-energy gamma-ray photon interacts with the electric field of a nucleus or an electron, converting its energy into the mass of an electron-positron pair. This process is governed by the laws of conservation of energy and momentum.

5. How is gamma-ray photon energy important in understanding nuclear reactions?

Gamma-ray photon energy is important in understanding nuclear reactions as it is often produced as a result of these reactions. By studying the energy of gamma-rays emitted, scientists can gain insight into the structure and properties of nuclei and the dynamics of nuclear reactions.

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