Antimatter atoms vs atoms with greater mass?

In summary, the conversation discusses the potential outcome if an atom of anti-hydrogen were to come in contact with a normal matter atom, specifically a gold atom. It is suggested that the positron and antiproton from the anti-hydrogen would annihilate an electron and a proton from the gold atom, possibly resulting in the atom being changed into a lighter element or being blasted apart due to the release of energy. The conversation also mentions the possibility of a few pions and nucleons escaping, while the majority of the atom stays together. Ultimately, it is suggested that the high energy, nuclear and particle physics forum would be a better place to discuss this topic in detail.
  • #1
Garbus
3
1
I was just kinda wondering about this the other day and can't seem to find an answer on Google.

Basically I'm wondering what would happen if an atom of anti-hydrogen for example, came in contact with a normal matter atom of greater mass, say a gold atom. I'm figuring that the positron and antiproton from the anti-hydrogen would annihilate an electron and a proton from the gold atom, but what would happen to the rest of the gold atom? Would it be changed into a lighter element, or would the energy from the annihilation of the anti-hydrogen likely blast the atom apart?
 
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  • #2
The better forum for this is the high energy, nuclear and particle physics one.
Annihilation of one proton/antiproton pair releases about 1880 MeV.
Binding energy of gold nucleus is under 1600 MeV.
It might blast the atom apart... if equally distributed. Will it be?
There might instead be a couple of pions escaping with several hundred MeV each, a few tens of nucleons carrying off several tens of MeV kinetic energy each... and 100+ staying together.

What is the usual outcome in practice?
 
  • #3
snorkack said:
The better forum for this is the high energy, nuclear and particle physics one.
Moved.
 

1. What is the difference between an antimatter atom and an atom with greater mass?

Antimatter atoms are composed of particles with opposite charges to those found in regular matter atoms. They have the same mass as their matter counterparts, but their charge and spin are opposite. Atoms with greater mass, on the other hand, have a larger number of particles and therefore a greater total mass.

2. How are antimatter atoms and atoms with greater mass created?

Antimatter atoms are typically created in high-energy collisions between particles, such as in particle accelerators. Atoms with greater mass can be created through nuclear fusion reactions, where smaller atoms combine to form a larger atom.

3. Can antimatter atoms and atoms with greater mass coexist?

Yes, they can coexist in the same environment. However, when they come into contact with each other, they annihilate each other and release a large amount of energy.

4. What are the potential uses of antimatter atoms and atoms with greater mass?

Antimatter atoms have potential uses in medical imaging and cancer treatment, as well as in propulsion systems for space travel. Atoms with greater mass have uses in nuclear power generation and in creating new elements through nuclear transmutation.

5. Are there naturally occurring antimatter atoms and atoms with greater mass?

While there is evidence of naturally occurring antimatter in the universe, it is typically found in very small quantities. Atoms with greater mass, on the other hand, can be found naturally in various elements on Earth, such as uranium and plutonium.

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