Annihilation of two particles / Rest mass energy

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the annihilation of two particles, specifically a proton and an antiproton, and the energy produced from this process. It is established that the minimum energy of the resulting radiation, such as photons, is equal to the sum of the rest mass energies of the two particles, plus their kinetic energies. The formula hfmin = E0 + KE accurately represents this relationship, confirming that both rest mass energy and kinetic energy contribute to the energy of the emitted radiation. Additionally, momentum conservation is emphasized as a crucial factor in calculating the resulting photon energies.

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  • Understanding of particle physics concepts, specifically annihilation processes.
  • Familiarity with rest mass energy and kinetic energy principles.
  • Knowledge of conservation laws, particularly momentum conservation.
  • Basic grasp of photon energy calculations and the relationship between energy and frequency (hf).
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of particle-antiparticle annihilation in detail.
  • Learn about the calculations of photon energies resulting from particle interactions.
  • Explore the implications of energy conservation in high-energy physics.
  • Investigate advanced topics in quantum mechanics related to particle interactions.
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Physicists, students of particle physics, and anyone interested in understanding the energy dynamics of particle annihilation processes.

physics369
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I haven't used the template because I just need some reassurance on understanding a topic, not help with a question!

When two particles annihilate (e.g. proton and antiproton), the resulting radiation will have a minimum energy of the sum of the rest mass energies of the two particles, right? But how does the kinetic energy of the particles factor in? Does the energy of the resulting radiation, or in this case, photons, equal the rest mass energies of the proton and antiproton PLUS the the kinetic energies of both particles?

Like this:

hfmin = E0 + KE

?!
 
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Yes, energy in equals energy out. So kinetic energy going in also goes into the radiation.
 
Dick said:
Yes, energy in equals energy out. So kinetic energy going in also goes into the radiation.

Also momentum must be conserved. Work out the resulting photon energies. :smile:
 

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