Matter/antimatter collisions is now what bugs me

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Matter/antimatter collisions do not violate the Law of conservation of energy, as the energy released during these collisions is accounted for in the form of photons. The discussion highlights a common misunderstanding about the conservation of matter and energy, clarifying that while matter is annihilated, energy is conserved and transformed. Participants emphasize that the total energy, including the rest energy of mass, remains constant throughout the process. The conversation reflects a supportive environment for those curious about complex scientific concepts. Understanding these principles can alleviate confusion surrounding the implications of matter/antimatter interactions.
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First post here so sorry if I got it in the wrong spot. I'd like to say though I am very exited to have found this site. I see some sleepless nights in my very near future :wink:

Matter/antimatter collisions, appear to me, to violate the Law of conservation of matter and energy. I suspect once we understand more about multidimensional physics we shall find the law to hold true. But hey, like my name says I am the amatuer, I also suspect there could be more plausable explantion out there and I just haven't found it.

I turmoiled over the Big Bang for a long time until I found "Inflation" ; which summarily removed my problem with the theory. Matter/antimatter collisions is now what bugs me (partial geek here I guess).
 
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reading the post, my question is why does the collision not prove the law false.
 


Amatuer said:
Matter/antimatter collisions, appear to me, to violate the Law of conservation of matter and energy.
How?

The amount of energy released from the collision of matter and anitmatter is determined by E=mc2, i.e. complete conversion of matter to energy.
 


Amatuer said:
Matter/antimatter collisions, appear to me, to violate the Law of conservation of matter and energy.
What makes you think that such collisions would violate conservation of energy? (There's no such law as conservation of 'matter'.)
 


First thanks for the reply! I guess I'm missing the bassics then. My understanding when Matter/antimatter collide, a complete annihilation occurs. Nothing left. No matter, no energy. Are you telling me the matter is gone but energy is released into the universe?
 


Amatuer said:
Are you telling me the matter is gone but energy is released into the universe?
Yes, that's one possibility. When the particles annihilate, energy is released as photons. The total energy (including rest energy of mass) is always conserved.
 


Doc Al said:
Yes, that's one possibility. When the particles annihilate, energy is released as photons. The total energy (including rest energy of mass) is always conserved.

Well thanks. I was thinking the energy was gone as well.

Thanks for helping a curious amatuer, sorry if I wasted your time.
 


Amatuer said:
Well thanks. I was thinking the energy was gone as well.

Thanks for helping a curious amatuer, sorry if I wasted your time.

You are not wasting our time. We fall all over each other to answer questions such as yours.
 


DaveC426913 said:
You are not wasting our time. We fall all over each other to answer questions such as yours.
:smile: Yeah, what a bunch of geeks, eh?
 
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