Calculating Energy of Radiation in Proton-Antiproton Annihilation

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In proton-antiproton annihilation, the total energy of radiation produced can be calculated using the rest energy formula E=mc². For each particle with a mass of 1.67 x 10^-27 kg, the total energy is calculated to be approximately 3.002 x 10^-10 joules or 1.87 GeV. The method used for the calculation is confirmed to be correct, though there is speculation about the marks assigned to the question possibly being a misprint. It is noted that two photons are produced to conserve momentum, but the focus remains on the total energy. This calculation effectively demonstrates the energy conversion in particle annihilation processes.
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Homework Statement


in proton-antiproton annihilation a proton and an antiproton collide and disappear producing electromagnetiv radiation. if each particle has a mass of 1.67*10-27 and they are at rest just before collision, find total energy of radiation and give answer in joules and electron volts.


Homework Equations


rest energy, E=mc2


The Attempt at a Solution



E = [1.67*10-27 x (2.998*108)2] x 2

= 3.002*10-10 J

= 1.87GeV

is that right? the question is for 10 marks and it just seems to easy??
 
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Your method is correct as far as I can tell. Two photons would have to be produced to conserve momentum but the question does ask for the total energy.

Perhaps the number of marks is a misprint.
 

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