Proton, antiproton annihilation

In summary, the question asks for the wavelengths of the two photons produced when a proton and antiproton at rest annihilate. The energy conservation and de broglie relation can be used to determine the possible reaction products, which can include mixtures of pions and gammas, as well as e+e- and even a neutrino-anti-neutrino pair (although this is extremely rare). The common belief that annihilation only produces photons is due to the fact that for slow e+/e-, there are limited reaction paths available.
  • #1
Morrow93
1
0
Need help with this question.

What are the wavelengths of the two photons produced when a proton and antiproton at rest annihilate?

Any help is appreciated, thank you :)
 
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  • #2
Hi,

Use energy conservation and the de broglie relation between energy and wavelength.
 
  • #3
Also note that even for slow proton/antiproton, the energy available allows for many reaction products. Mixtures of pions and gammas are common. Even e+e- is a possible product. The only reason for the myth that annihilation produces photons is that for slow e+/e- there is almost no other available path (there actually is one exceedingly rare alternative even for slow electron positron: a neutrino - anti-neurtrino pair; doubt this has ever been verified experimentally).
 

What is proton-antiproton annihilation?

Proton-antiproton annihilation is a process in which a proton and an antiproton collide and produce energy in the form of photons. This process is also known as matter-antimatter annihilation.

How does proton-antiproton annihilation occur?

Proton-antiproton annihilation occurs when a proton and an antiproton come into contact with each other and their respective particles and antiparticles are destroyed, releasing energy in the form of photons.

What is the significance of proton-antiproton annihilation in physics?

Proton-antiproton annihilation is significant because it is one of the ways in which matter and antimatter can interact and annihilate each other, helping scientists understand the fundamental properties of particles and their interactions.

What are the potential applications of proton-antiproton annihilation?

Proton-antiproton annihilation has potential applications in fields such as medical imaging and cancer treatment, as well as in the production of antimatter for research purposes.

How is proton-antiproton annihilation studied in experiments?

Proton-antiproton annihilation is studied in experiments using particle accelerators, where protons and antiprotons are accelerated to high energies and made to collide. The resulting particles and energy released are then detected and analyzed by scientists.

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