Von Neumann said:I recently read a textbook that stated without explanation "When a positron collides head on with an electron, the energy of each photon is the sum of one particle's rest and kinetic energy." So E = m_o*c^2 + K. However my question is, why isn't the energy of each photon twice the mass and kinetic energy of each particle since the ratio is 2:1? I know it's the incorrect answer, but that's just what I intuitively think. Any help?
Von Neumann said:The way it's worded, to me it sounds as though one photon is created as the result of the pair colliding. Therefore the total kinetic energy of one photon being twice the energy of one colliding particle.
Electron/positron annihilation is a process in which an electron and a positron collide and annihilate each other, resulting in the production of gamma rays.
Electron/positron annihilation occurs when the two particles come into close proximity to each other, causing them to interact and convert their mass into energy. This energy is released in the form of gamma rays.
Electron/positron annihilation plays a significant role in understanding the fundamental properties of matter and energy. It is used in various fields of science, such as particle physics, astrophysics, and medical imaging.
Yes, electron/positron annihilation can be observed through the detection of gamma rays. This process has been observed in particle accelerators and in natural phenomena, such as gamma-ray bursts.
In medical imaging, electron/positron annihilation is used in a technique called positron emission tomography (PET). A small amount of a radioactive substance is injected into the body, which emits positrons that annihilate with electrons in the body. The resulting gamma rays are detected and used to create images of the body's tissues and organs.