Calculating Energy of Radiation in Proton-Antiproton Annihilation

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SUMMARY

The total energy of radiation produced in proton-antiproton annihilation, where each particle has a mass of 1.67 x 10-27 kg and is at rest before collision, is calculated using the equation E=mc2. The resulting energy is 3.002 x 10-10 joules, equivalent to 1.87 GeV. The calculation is confirmed to be correct, and the query regarding the marks assigned for the question suggests a potential misprint.

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  • Understanding of Einstein's mass-energy equivalence principle (E=mc2)
  • Basic knowledge of particle physics, specifically proton and antiproton properties
  • Familiarity with energy units, including joules and electron volts
  • Concept of momentum conservation in particle interactions
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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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