Sum of the energies of the two photons

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the sum of the energies of two photons produced during the annihilation of a positron and an electron. The positron and electron each have a mass of 9e-31 kg and are moving at a speed of 0.93c. To find the total energy, participants emphasize using the law of energy conservation, specifically the equation E = m_ec^2 + K, where K represents kinetic energy. The total energy is derived from both rest mass energy and kinetic energy contributions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of relativistic mass-energy equivalence (E = mc²)
  • Familiarity with kinetic energy calculations
  • Knowledge of photon production in particle physics
  • Basic principles of conservation of energy
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the total energy of a particle using E = mc² and K = 0.5mv²
  • Explore the concept of photon energy and its relation to frequency (E = hf)
  • Study the implications of relativistic speeds on mass and energy
  • Investigate particle-antiparticle annihilation processes in quantum physics
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding particle physics, energy conservation, and the principles of annihilation reactions.

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Homework Statement


A positron has the same mass as an electron but is of opposite sign (9e-31 kg).
What is the sum of the energies of the two photons which are produced when the positron and the electron annihilate?
Assume the speed of the positron is .93c (c is the speed of light) with an electron at the same speed.

Homework Equations



I truly don't know of any equations except e- + e+ => \gamma + \gamma

c\ =\ 2.99792458\ \times\ 10^{8}\ m\ s^{-1}

The Attempt at a Solution


I squared the velocity .93c^2 and multiplied it by the mass (9e-31 kg) to find Joules (since the answer must be in Joules).
I'm don't know what else one could do.

Even a hint as to which equations to use would be great.
 
Last edited:
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Use the law of energy conservation. The minimum energy an electron can have is its rest energy i. e. m_ec^2. The total energy is the sum of the rest energy and the Kinetic energy. E = m_ec^2 + K. You have been given the speed of the electron and the positron. Can you calculate their total energy?
 

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