Photon & Antimatter: Annihilation & Neutron Questions

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    Antimatter Photons
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the nature of photons and their relationship with antimatter, specifically addressing why photons do not annihilate despite being their own antiparticles. It clarifies that antiparticles are defined by opposite charge and spin, and not all antiparticles annihilate upon interaction. The conversation also touches on the neutron's antiparticle, the antineutron, which consists of anti-quarks. Key references include Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) and the behavior of virtual particles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Quantum Electrodynamics (QED)
  • Knowledge of particle physics terminology, including antiparticles and quarks
  • Familiarity with photon interactions and annihilation processes
  • Basic grasp of particle-antiparticle relationships
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of photons in Quantum Electrodynamics (QED)
  • Explore the concept of virtual particles and their interactions
  • Study the structure and properties of neutrons and antineutrons
  • Investigate the definitions and implications of annihilation in particle physics
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of particle physics, and anyone interested in the fundamental interactions of particles and antimatter.

Haibara Ai
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If photons are their own antimatter, then why don't they just annihilate? Also, do neutrons have antimatter, or is it themselves?
 
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The very requirement for antiparticle is not that they annihilate.
Antiparticles is just the opposite charge and spin (time reversed particle), and SOME antiparticles will annihilate if they interact with each other. Now in standard QED, photon-photon interactions is not possible (at least not with a virtual photon coupling, but with several virtual electron/positrons)
see http://universe-review.ca/R15-12-QFT.htm

So in one sense two photons will annihilate and form photons again ;-)

I mean, what is meant by annihilation in physics anyway?

The antiparticle of the neutron is the antineutron, which has the constituent anti-quarks of the neutron, eg. 2 anti-down, 1 anti-up
 
That makes sense...
Thanks!
 

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