Anti Matter vs Matter: What Happens When They Collide?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of anti-matter versus matter and how they cancel each other out. The question of what creates anti-matter is raised, as well as what happens during the battle between anti-matter and matter. It is explained that anti-matter has positive mass and follows the same relationship between mass and energy as matter does. The laws of conservation of energy and mass are also mentioned, with the understanding that mass can be converted to energy and vice-versa. The result of the battle between matter and anti-matter is the production of energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation.
  • #1
nykuryu
2
0
so I am watching this show on discovery and were talking about anti matter vs matter. cool, i understand that they cancel each other out. but if in the beginning energy turn into matter (e=mc2) what creates anti matter? anti energy? secondly, as per the law of conservation of energy, energy cannot be destroyed only transferred thusly matter can't be destroyed only transfered, what happens to the anti matter-matter battle? what comes from it? something has to or does it REALLY just cancel out? thanks
 
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  • #2
Anti-matter has positive mass just like matter does so the relationship between mass and energy is the same regardless of whether the mass is matter or anti-matter.

The law of conservation of energy and the law of conservation of mass are one and the same. The total of energy and mass in a system must be conserved but mass can be converted to energy and vice-verse. E=MC^2 is the conversion ratio. When matter and anti-matter annihilate the result is energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation.
 
  • #3
ok so electromagnetic radiation occurs. thanks for the quick reply.
 

1. What is antimatter and how does it differ from regular matter?

Antimatter is a type of matter that has the same mass as regular matter but has opposite electrical charge. This means that particles of antimatter have a positive charge instead of a negative charge like regular matter particles.

2. What happens when antimatter and matter collide?

When antimatter and matter collide, they annihilate each other and release a large amount of energy in the form of gamma rays. This process is called annihilation and is one of the fundamental principles of particle physics.

3. Can we create antimatter in a laboratory?

Yes, we can create antimatter in a laboratory through a process called particle acceleration. This involves accelerating regular particles to high speeds and then colliding them with a target material, resulting in the creation of antimatter particles.

4. Is antimatter dangerous?

Antimatter itself is not dangerous, as it only exists in very small quantities and is highly unstable. However, when antimatter comes into contact with regular matter, the resulting energy release can be extremely powerful and potentially dangerous.

5. How is antimatter being used in scientific research and practical applications?

Antimatter is being used in scientific research to study the fundamental properties of matter and to understand the origins of the universe. It also has potential practical applications, such as in medical imaging and as a potential energy source for space travel in the future.

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