What happens when a photon hits and antiparticle?

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In summary, an antiparticle is a subatomic particle with the same mass as its corresponding particle but opposite charge and other quantum numbers. When a photon collides with an antiparticle, they annihilate each other and release energy in the form of gamma rays due to the conservation of energy and momentum. This process can be observed in high-energy particle collisions and natural processes, and it is significant in understanding particle behavior and laws of physics. It also has practical applications in medical imaging and cancer treatment through PET.
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This is probably a crazy question, but what happens to a photon when it hits an antiparticle? Say the same type of antiparticle that Hawking uses to derive his Hawking radiation. Does the photon disappear? Is its energy/frequency reduced?
 
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Exactly the same happens, as if a photon hit a "normal" particle. There is no fundamental distinction between normal and anti particles, the classification is arbitrary.

Hawking did not postulate a specific kind of particles in his radiation. Any species will do.
 

1. What is an antiparticle?

An antiparticle is a subatomic particle that has the same mass as its corresponding particle, but has opposite charge and other quantum numbers.

2. What happens when a photon hits an antiparticle?

When a photon, which is a particle of light, collides with an antiparticle, the two particles annihilate each other and release energy in the form of gamma rays.

3. How does this process occur?

This process occurs due to the conservation of energy and momentum. The energy of the photon is transferred to the antiparticle, causing it to be destroyed, and the resulting energy is then released in the form of gamma rays.

4. Can this process be observed in the real world?

Yes, this process can be observed in high-energy particle collisions, such as those that occur in particle accelerators. It is also observed in natural processes, such as in cosmic ray interactions.

5. What is the significance of this phenomenon?

The annihilation of a photon and antiparticle is an important process in understanding the behavior of particles and the fundamental laws of physics. It also has practical applications in medical imaging and cancer treatment through the use of positron emission tomography (PET).

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