Does electromagnetic radiation react with antimatter?

In summary, the electromagnetic interaction with antimatter is identical to that of matter, with the only difference being the change in sign of the charge. This means that detecting the presence of antimatter in an astronomical object through remote observation is not possible, unless it collides with ordinary matter and releases a large amount of energy. It is also uncertain whether the neutrinos emitted by an antimatter star would be distinguishable from those emitted by a regular star.
  • #1
Sami1999
19
2
And if it does what is the mechanism and can it be used in astronomical spectroscopy?
 
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  • #2
ResearcherX said:
And if it does what is the mechanism and can it be used in astronomical spectroscopy?

The electromagnetic interaction with antimatter is no different than with matter. Positrons behave the same way as electrons, other than the change in sign. Antiprotrons are accelerated the same way at the LHC as protons.

Zz.
 
  • #3
If the interaction is no different then how is the spectrum detected identified to be coming from regular matter not antimatter?
 
  • #4
ResearcherX said:
If the interaction is no different then how is the spectrum detected identified to be coming from regular matter not antimatter?

The different in SIGN of the charge!

Positron and electron have same mass, but different charge sign.

Proton and antiproton have same mass, but different charge sign.

etc.

Zz.
 
  • #5
If some distant astronomical object were composed of antimatter, I don't think it would be possible to tell that fact by remote observation of the light emitted by it. Until it collides with ordinary matter and releases a huge amount of energy all of sudden. Not sure whether the neutrinos emitted by an antimatter star would be of the opposite kind compared to those released from our Sun, allowing to tell the difference.
 
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What is electromagnetic radiation?

Electromagnetic radiation is a type of energy that is emitted and propagated through space by electric and magnetic fields. It includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays.

What is antimatter?

Antimatter is a type of matter composed of antiparticles, which have the same mass as their corresponding particles, but opposite electric charge. When matter and antimatter come into contact, they annihilate each other, releasing a large amount of energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation.

Does electromagnetic radiation react with antimatter?

Yes, electromagnetic radiation can react with antimatter in the same way it reacts with normal matter. When an electromagnetic wave interacts with antimatter, it can cause the annihilation of the antiparticles, releasing energy in the form of more electromagnetic radiation.

What happens when electromagnetic radiation reacts with antimatter?

When electromagnetic radiation reacts with antimatter, the antiparticles and particles annihilate each other, releasing energy in the form of photons. The specific type of energy released depends on the energy of the interacting particles.

What are the potential applications of studying the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and antimatter?

Studying the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and antimatter can provide insights into fundamental physics and help us understand the nature of matter and antimatter. It also has potential applications in fields such as energy production, medical imaging, and space travel.

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