Electron-Proton Collision: Annihilation and Mass Conversion Explained

  • Thread starter Icebreaker
  • Start date
In summary, protons and electrons cannot be destroyed, as electrons are fundamental and have no internal parts and protons can be broken up into quark-gluon plasma. When an electron collides with a proton, they typically trade kinetic energy for rest-mass, resulting in the creation of new heavy particles which then rapidly decay into gamma radiation. Electrons can also be absorbed into the nucleus through a process called electron capture, resulting in the conversion of a proton into a neutron and the emission of an electron neutrino. This process is unlikely to occur with just one proton and electron and is greatly suppressed. The result of the collision depends on the kinetic energy of the particles involved, with low kinetic energy resulting in the electron falling into the ground
  • #1
Icebreaker
If an electron collides with a proton? I am told they annihilate, but can something as massive (relatively) as a proton could be destroyed by an electron? That is, will the entire mass of the proton be converted to energy?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
1) They don't annihilate.

2) Protons and electrons cannot be destroyed. Protons can be broken up into quark-gluon plasma, but electrons are fundamental and have no internal parts.

3) Collisions like this typically result in kinetic energy being traded for rest-mass - a lot of new heavy particles are created, which carry away the energy. The particles typically rapidly decay into gamma radiation.

- Warren
 
  • #3
chroot said:
2) Protons and electrons cannot be destroyed. Protons can be broken up into quark-gluon plasma, but electrons are fundamental and have no internal parts.

Whoa, hold up, how are we defining "destroyed"? Electrons can annihilate with positrons (as can protons with anti-protons).
 
  • #4
SpaceTiger,

Of course, good point.

- Warren
 
  • #5
What do you mean collide? Scatter?

Electrons can be absorbed into the nucleus of atom called electron capture or K capture. This will turn one proton into a neutron with emissions of an electron neutrino.

It is called K capture because the lowest electron shell in a many electron atom is called the k shell. This will also result in X-rays when that lower orbital is filled again.

This process is greatly suppressed with just one proton and electron. Though it is still possible just unlikely.
 
Last edited:
  • #6
What if both the proton and the electron have very little kinetic energy?
 
  • #7
With low kinetic energy the electron will just fall into the ground state of the hydrogen atom.

K capture is just an unlikely quantum event for the one proton and electron. The electron and proton are my energetically favored over the single neutron and electron neutrino.
 

1. What is an electron-proton collision?

An electron-proton collision is a type of interaction between an electron and a proton, which are both subatomic particles that make up atoms. During this collision, the two particles come into contact and exchange energy, resulting in various outcomes such as annihilation or mass conversion.

2. What is annihilation in the context of electron-proton collisions?

Annihilation in electron-proton collisions refers to the process where an electron and a proton collide and combine to form other particles, such as photons or neutrinos. This is an example of mass-energy conversion, where the total mass of the particles before and after the collision remains the same, but the energy is released in the form of other particles.

3. How does mass conversion occur in electron-proton collisions?

Mass conversion in electron-proton collisions occurs through the famous equation, E=mc^2, where E represents energy, m represents mass, and c represents the speed of light. When an electron and proton collide, they can produce high-energy photons, which can then convert back into mass. This process follows the conservation of energy and mass principles.

4. What are the potential applications of studying electron-proton collisions?

Studying electron-proton collisions can provide valuable insights into the fundamental building blocks of matter and the laws of physics. It can also help in understanding and developing technologies such as particle accelerators and medical imaging devices. Additionally, understanding the process of mass conversion can have applications in energy production and storage.

5. How do scientists study electron-proton collisions?

Scientists study electron-proton collisions by using high-energy particle accelerators, such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). These machines accelerate electrons and protons to near-light speeds and then collide them, allowing researchers to observe the outcomes of the collision. Advanced detectors are used to capture and analyze the particles produced during the collision, providing valuable data for further research.

Similar threads

I The kinetic energy of proton-electron for a black body
    • Optics
Replies
8
Views
1K
B Can you create neutronium by colliding electrons and protons?
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
3
Views
1K
B Can a hypothetical atom be made out of positrons and electrons ?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
9
Views
1K
I Anti Proton - Non Proton reaction
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
2
Views
1K
I Electron mass conversion during electron capture
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
3
Views
1K
B Exploring the Relationship Between Mass and Matter in Particle Physics
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
15
Views
2K
B How many nuclear weapons are needed to make a wormhole?
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
11
Views
3K
I Experiment finds gluon mass in the proton (?)
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
12
Views
2K
I Annihilation and production of bosons
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
2
Views
1K
B What Happens to Very Energetic Protons After Collision?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
16
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top