Creating/Destroying Electron-Positron Pairs: Time Limit?

Thread starter S1CkFiSh
Start date Nov 15, 2009
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Limit Time

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Electron-positron pairs can be created and destroyed within a time interval defined by the uncertainty principle, which relates energy and time. The rest energy of each particle is 0.511 MeV, leading to a total energy of 1.022 MeV for the pair. Using Planck's constant (h = 6.626 × 10^-34 J s), the time limit for this process can be calculated. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding quantum mechanics principles in these interactions. Overall, the creation and annihilation of these pairs can occur without violating energy conservation within a specific timeframe dictated by quantum uncertainty.

Nov 15, 2009

S1CkFiSh

The rest energy of an electron is 0.511 MeV = 8.2 x10-14 J. A positron is an electron with positive charge and the same rest energy. Within what time interval can we create and destroy an electron-positron pair without worrying about the conservation of energy? h = 6.626 × 10-34 J s.

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Nov 16, 2009

tiny-tim

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