What Processes Occur When Electrons Meet Positrons and Protons?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the interactions between electrons, positrons, and protons, specifically examining the processes that may occur when these particles meet. The subject area includes particle physics and quantum interactions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore various processes such as the formation of positronium, hydrogen atoms, annihilation events, and elastic scattering. There is a debate on the validity of these processes, particularly regarding annihilation and elastic scattering.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants questioning the correctness of certain processes and offering insights into the nature of particle interactions. Some guidance has been provided regarding the annihilation of electrons and positrons, while the status of elastic scattering remains uncertain.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the implications of different interactions and the definitions of terms like elastic scattering. There is a focus on the nuances of particle behavior, particularly in the context of annihilation and energy loss.

neelakash
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Homework Statement



Consider the combination of an electron with positron(I) and an electron with proton(II).The possible processes are:

(i)formation in positronium in (I)
(ii)formation in Hydrogen ataom in (II)
(iii)annihilation of each other and gamma emission in (I) and (II) both
(iv)elastic scatterinh in (I) and (II) both



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I think all but (iv) may be correct---elastic scattering should not happen...
Please check.
 
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Maybe you should think a little longer about these, particularly 3 and 4.
 
Possibly (III) is wrong:I mean e and p cannot annihilate but e and positron can

elastic scattering occurs...?
 
Electron and positron certainly annihilate producing two 0.511 MeV gammas.

An electron is not annhilated by a proton, but there is a phenomenon called 'electron capture'.
 
neelakash said:
elastic scattering occurs...?
Typically, the term elastic scattering is used for events where the loss of energy between the scattered particle and the incident particle is small compared to the incident energy. Rutherford scattering, electron/neutron diffraction, etc. are examples of elastic scattering.
 

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