Understanding Energy in Annihilation: Proton-Antiproton vs. Neutron-Antineutron

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    Annihilation Energy
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the energy released during annihilation processes involving proton-antiproton and neutron-antineutron pairs. Participants explore the specifics of energy release, the nature of final state particles, and the implications of different decay modes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that proton-antiproton annihilation at rest releases approximately 1.88 GeV of energy.
  • Another participant questions whether neutron-antineutron annihilation releases 1.8 GeV overall or if each of the two photons produced carries 1.8 GeV.
  • It is mentioned that the energy from annihilation contributes to the energy of the final state particles, which are typically mesons rather than photons.
  • One participant asserts that the 1.8 GeV is the overall energy, representing the rest energy of two nucleons.
  • There is a discussion about the types of particles produced in rapid decay, with a focus on the predominance of pi mesons.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the specifics of energy release in neutron-antineutron annihilation, particularly regarding whether the energy is overall or per photon. The discussion remains unresolved on these points.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on interpretations of decay processes and the definitions of energy release in particle physics, which may not be universally agreed upon.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to students and enthusiasts of particle physics, particularly those exploring concepts of annihilation and energy conservation in particle interactions.

DaveSmith
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Hi there guys, this is my first post
I've just completed my first couple of semesters in BS in Applied physics, and Annihilation really amazes me, My question is

The proton antiproton annihilation at rest releases some 1.88 GeV energy
http://www.fnal.gov/pub/inquiring/questions/antimatter1.html

But does neutron antineutron annihilation releases 1.8 GeV energy overall or with each of the two photons it produces have 1.8 GeV energy?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron-antineutron_annihilation
 
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The energy released by proton antiproton annihilation or neutron antineutron annihilation goes into the energy of particles that are produced in the final state. The two photon decay is rare. Most of the time the final particles are mesons.
 
Yes but can you refer to the wikipedia link I've given and narrate the energy release part in neutron-antineutron annihilation? Is it 1.8 GeV overall or with each of the two photons releasing 1.8 GeV separately?
 
Meir Achuz said:
The energy released by proton antiproton annihilation or neutron antineutron annihilation goes into the energy of particles that are produced in the final state. The two photon decay is rare. Most of the time the final particles are mesons.

So you'd have rapid decay to electrons, photons, and neutrinos... or just photons and electrons?
 
DaveSmith said:
Yes but can you refer to the wikipedia link I've given and narrate the energy release part in neutron-antineutron annihilation? Is it 1.8 GeV overall or with each of the two photons releasing 1.8 GeV separately?
It is 1.8 GeV overall, which is the rest energy of two nucleons.
 
nismaratwork said:
So you'd have rapid decay to electrons, photons, and neutrinos... or just photons and electrons?
The rapid decay is mostly to pi mesons.
 
Meir Achuz said:
The rapid decay is mostly to pi mesons.

Ooooh... right. OK, I can take pion decay from there... thanks Meir Achuz!
 
Yes of course...thanks Meir Achuz
 

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