Accelerating protons and antiprotons for pair production?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of pair production, particularly in the context of proton and antiproton interactions. Participants explore the definitions and implications of pair production, as well as the conservation of charge in particle reactions.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the reaction p + p --> p + p + antip qualifies as pair production, suggesting that the definition of pair production may need to be reconsidered.
  • Another participant references a website that discusses the annihilation of particles and the subsequent production of new pairs by photons, raising questions about the energy dynamics involved.
  • There is a correction regarding the particle reaction equation, with one participant noting the correct form as p + p --> p + p + p + antip and discussing the implications for charge conservation.
  • One participant asserts that charge conservation is a fundamental principle, emphasizing that any reaction that appears to violate this principle is incorrect.
  • Another participant acknowledges a mistake in their earlier statement about charge conservation, clarifying that they did not intend to imply a violation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the definition of pair production and its applicability to certain reactions. There is a consensus on the principle of charge conservation, but the specific reactions and their interpretations remain contested.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully resolve the implications of different definitions of pair production or the specifics of energy dynamics in particle interactions. The discussion includes corrections and clarifications but does not reach a definitive conclusion on the initial questions posed.

Tangeton
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Okay so I have a problem with what my textbook is saying.

It defined pair production as a process in which a photon of electromagnetic energy is converted to a pair of particles.

But then it gave the discovery of an antiproton. Which was when a proton was accelerated to 6MeV and collided into a stationary proton, making one antiproton and 3 protons.

So, does this p + p --> p + p + antip process count as pair production? In which case, would the definition of pair production be a bit different?

Also, I found a website on which it says that ''sometimes, a pair of particles annihilates, but then the photon produces another pair of particles.'' When it comes the the first line, is this basically when a pair annihilates, but then the photon still has a lot of energy due to the extra kinetic energy of the particle and its antiparticle, meaning that when it passes close to a nucleus?

Edit: It also says that a antip + p = n + antin Is this besically an example of what I just wrote above (particles annihilate but then the photon produces another pair of particles)?

Sorry for lots of questions and thank you for your time.
 
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Tangeton said:
p + p --> p + p + antip

Does that conserve charge?
 
Vanadium 50 said:
Does that conserve charge?
oooo whoops it's p + p --> p + p + p + antip and well it doesn't look like it does conserve charge, but what has that got to do with anything? Says here it does happen so I am not trying to disprove it?
 
Last edited:
Tangeton said:
but what has that got to do with anything?

Charge is always conserved. If you write down a reaction that doesn't, it's wrong.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
Charge is always conserved. If you write down a reaction that doesn't, it's wrong.

Well yes I know but charge is conserved here. I just wrote the wrong equation by accident.
 

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