Does electromagnetic radiation react with antimatter?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with antimatter, exploring whether these interactions are distinguishable from those with matter, and the implications for astronomical spectroscopy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the electromagnetic interaction with antimatter is fundamentally the same as with matter, citing that positrons and electrons behave similarly aside from charge sign differences.
  • Others question how spectra can be identified as originating from matter rather than antimatter if the interactions are the same.
  • A participant suggests that while the interactions are similar, distinguishing between matter and antimatter through remote observation may not be feasible without a collision event that releases energy.
  • There is a consideration of whether neutrinos emitted from antimatter sources would differ from those emitted by ordinary matter, potentially providing a means of differentiation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the detectability of antimatter through electromagnetic radiation, with no consensus reached on the mechanisms or implications for astronomical observations.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include assumptions about the nature of charge interactions and the potential observational constraints related to distinguishing between matter and antimatter in astronomical contexts.

Sami1999
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And if it does what is the mechanism and can it be used in astronomical spectroscopy?
 
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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.
 
If the interaction is no different then how is the spectrum detected identified to be coming from regular matter not antimatter?
 
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.
 
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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