Regarding electron-positron annihilation

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They will propagate outwards at the speed of light and may encounter other particles along the way. Some may be absorbed, while others may produce new electron-positron pairs. This process is similar to what is shown in a bubble-chamber picture from CERN, where an electron and positron collide and produce photons that then create new particles. So in summary, when an electron and positron collide, the resulting photons will propagate outwards and may interact with other particles, potentially creating new electron-positron pairs.
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wonderingchicken
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When an electron meets an anti-electron which is also known as positron and collide, the particles will become photons. But where did the photons go after the electron-positron annihilation happened?
 
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Outward.
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
Outward.
I mean do they ended up absorbed by something or simply gone?
 
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They simply propagate out away from the point of annihilation at the speed of light. Whether they get absorbed depends on what they encounter along the way. It's similar to what happens to the photons that leave your flashlight.
 
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If the photons have high enough energy, they can in turn produce new electron-positron pairs. This bubble-chamber picture shows a positron (orange) entering from the lower left and annihilating with an electron in the bubble-chamber fluid. One of the photons (purple-dot path) produces an electron-positron pair (green) at upper right. The other photon (invisible) leaves the field of view.

k2epl1.jpg


(Source at CERN)
 
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wonderingchicken said:
I mean do they ended up absorbed by something or simply gone?
Depends on what they hit. Just like photons from a light bulb or a star.
 

1. What is electron-positron annihilation?

Electron-positron annihilation is a process in which an electron and a positron (the antimatter counterpart of an electron) collide and their mass is converted into energy in the form of photons.

2. What happens during electron-positron annihilation?

During electron-positron annihilation, the electron and positron annihilate each other, producing two or more photons with high energy. The total energy of the photons is equal to the combined mass energy of the electron and positron.

3. What is the significance of electron-positron annihilation in physics?

Electron-positron annihilation is significant in physics because it is a process that demonstrates the conversion of mass into energy, as described by Einstein's famous equation E=mc^2. It is also important in understanding the behavior of antimatter and the fundamental forces of nature.

4. How is electron-positron annihilation used in practical applications?

Electron-positron annihilation is used in practical applications such as positron emission tomography (PET) scans, which use the annihilation of positrons in the body to produce images of internal organs and tissues. It is also used in particle accelerators to produce high-energy photons for research purposes.

5. Can electron-positron annihilation be reversed?

No, electron-positron annihilation is a fundamental process in which the mass of the particles is converted into energy. This process cannot be reversed, as it would violate the laws of physics.

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