Electron and Positron Annihilation

AI Thread Summary
An electron traveling at 0.8c annihilates with a positron at rest, producing two photons, prompting a discussion on calculating their energy. The initial momentum must be conserved, leading to the realization that the photons do not necessarily have equal momentum unless the total momentum is zero. The conversation shifts to using energy and momentum conservation principles, with one participant suggesting a center of mass frame approach for simplification. There is a consensus that employing four-vectors could streamline the problem-solving process. The discussion emphasizes the importance of correctly applying conservation laws in particle physics.
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Homework Statement



An electron traveling at 0.8c annihilates with a positron that is at rest, producing two photons. One of the produced photons travels in the direction of the electron. Determine the energy of each of the photons.

Homework Equations



p_{photon} = \frac{E}{c}

P_{electron} = \frac{m_e v}{\sqrt{1-v^2/c^2}}

The Attempt at a Solution



p_i = p_f

\frac{m_e v}{\sqrt{1-v^2/c^2}} = 2p_{photon}

E = \frac{m_e 0.9 c^2}{2 \sqrt{1-0.81}} = 8.46 \times 10^{-14} JFirst of all, I already searched about this frequent topic, but didn't manage to solve the issues. My "issue" is regarding the final momentum. I assume that both photons will have the same momentum, but I don't think that's right.

Thank You ;)
 
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No, it isn't right. I suppose you mean you assumed that both photons will have the same magnitude of momentum, though? That's only true if the total momentum is zero. You could analyze the problem in a reference frame where that is true.
 
Yes, sorry, I meant the same magnitude.

Now I tried to solve this with using both Energy and Momentum conservation and it gave me something like 10^19 eV. But I think there's an easier way to solve it. Could you please post your resolution?

Regards
 
Last edited:
Do you know how to use four-vectors?
 
Go to the center of mass frame. Solve the problem, and transform back.
 
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