Lifetime & uncertainty relation w.r.t. particles

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on interpreting Heisenberg's uncertainty relation ΔE*Δt ≥ ħ in the context of particle annihilation and creation, particularly for virtual particles and antiparticles. Participants explore the implications of particle lifetimes and their relationship to energy quantization, emphasizing that all elementary particles possess masses below the Planck mass, which influences their Compton wavelength. The conversation highlights the need to differentiate between the lifetimes of massive particles and their complementary energy quanta, questioning the nature of annihilation and the resulting energy forms, such as zero-point energy and dark energy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics concepts, including virtual particles and antiparticles
  • Knowledge of Compton wavelength and its relation to particle mass
  • Basic principles of energy conservation in quantum physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle on particle physics
  • Study the properties and behaviors of virtual particles in quantum field theory
  • Explore the concept of Compton wavelength and its significance in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate the nature of annihilation and the types of energy produced in particle interactions
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Physicists, quantum mechanics students, and researchers interested in particle physics and the implications of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle.

hurk4
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Can anyone explain how to interpret Heisenberg's relation Delta(E)*Delta(t)>=hbar in case of "annihilation" and or "creation" of (elementary) particles:
1) in case of virtual particles
2) in case of antiparticles ?
Is it eventually useful, if I may say so, to discriminate between the lifetime of the massive particle and that of its complementary energy quant ?
If one could do so what would then be the consequence for the Heisenberg expression in either case?
 
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Background questions.

hurk4 said:
Can anyone explain how to interpret Heisenberg's relation Delta(E)*Delta(t)>=hbar in case of "annihilation" and or "creation" of (elementary) particles:

I think it can be good to know the background questions I had when posting this thread, here the are.

As far as I know all elementary “particles” have masses below the Planck-mass, thus their radius should be larger than the Planck-radius and be equal to the Compton-length which is inverse proportional to its respective mass. The Compton-length in fact is a quantum wave length. So my question could be, are not all these elementary “particles” to be considered as (Compton) wave packets, where it not that we are know with their dualistic (particle-wave) behaviour?
If I consider light, then I now that it is a wave unless it is interacting, but as long as is does not interact I suppose its Compton-length is infinite if it has no mass. (If I take a 3000K Photon then I can calculate a very long Compton-length for it if I like). The dimension of a free electron also fits reasonably well its Compton-length.
Applying Heisenberg’s relation ΔE*Δt ≥ ћ to elementary particles I remark that indeed their relative small energy/mass content gives them immeasurable long lifetimes in case that they have to “annihilate” completely (e.g. an electron or a proton). But then what means “annihilation”? According to conservation of energy I think it can not really be annihilation, so what kind of energy will result from such an "annihilation". I suppose it certainly will not be black hole-mass which is far too unstable below the Planckmass? Candidates: zero-point energy, dark-energy, e-m energy?.
Let me stop here, maybe I will come with more questions in case I get reactions.
 

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