Can an antiproton(negatron) orbit around a regular nucleus?

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of an antiproton orbiting around a regular nucleus, as well as the general concept of something being part matter and part anti-matter. It is mentioned that this is not possible due to the instability of antiprotons and their tendency to annihilate upon contact with protons. However, it is noted that particles and anti-particles can coexist in larger particles known as "onium".
  • #1
AndromedaRXJ
56
5
Can an antiproton(negatron) "orbit" around a regular nucleus?

Since it's negatively charged like an electron, can it orbit around a "normal" nucleus? Or a more general question: can something be part matter and part anti-matter?



Edit: I guess this answers my question.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antiprotonic_helium

Is there anymore examples like that?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2


This wouldn't work because electrons do not orbit a proton due to the fact that they are negative, that's just the factor that keeps them there. They orbit because they have a higher energy due to equal but opposite charge yet much smaller size. An anti-proton and proton would simply impact and annihilate. And that antiprotonic helium is in no way stable, lasting mere microseconds.
 
  • #3


Antiproton is too heavy to orbit a proton like electron. So it would not form an exotic "atom". It could however form an exotic "nucleus" of proton and antiproton. It would be extremely unstable, perhaps lasting only few Planck intervals, but possible.

The classification of particles as "matter" and "antimatter" is just a convention. It is possible for "matter" and "antimatter" particles to exist in one bigger particle.
 
  • #4


You can have particles orbit with their anti-particles, they are called 'onium', e.g. 'protonium' would be a proton and anti-proton bound together.
 

1. Can an antiproton(negatron) orbit around a regular nucleus?

Yes, an antiproton can orbit around a regular nucleus just like a regular electron. However, due to its opposite charge, it will have a negative energy level compared to the positive energy level of a regular electron.

2. How is the orbit of an antiproton(negatron) around a regular nucleus different from a regular electron?

The orbit of an antiproton is different from a regular electron because the antiproton has a negative charge, while the electron has a positive charge. This means that the antiproton's orbit will be inverted compared to the electron's orbit.

3. Can an antiproton(negatron) and a regular electron orbit around the same nucleus?

Yes, both an antiproton and a regular electron can orbit around the same nucleus. However, they will have opposite charges and therefore will have different energy levels.

4. What is the significance of an antiproton(negatron) orbiting around a regular nucleus?

The significance of an antiproton orbiting around a regular nucleus is that it provides evidence for the existence of antimatter, as well as further understanding of the fundamental forces and particles in the universe.

5. How is the orbit of an antiproton(negatron) around a regular nucleus studied?

The orbit of an antiproton around a regular nucleus can be studied through experiments using particle accelerators and detectors. By analyzing the behavior and interactions of the antiproton, scientists can gain insight into its orbit and the properties of antimatter.

Similar threads

Replies
43
Views
3K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Back
Top