Where Does the Charge Come From in Electron-Positron Pair Production?

In summary, charge is conserved in processes that create charged particles, meaning that a neutral photon can create an electron-positron pair. This concept highlights the idea that the universe is made of "all purpose stuff" that can be differentiated in various ways according to different laws, rather than a more atomic or preon-based understanding of the fundamental nature of the universe.
  • #1
Shervan
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Where do the charge comes in electron-positron pair production
 
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  • #2
As far as I know, they don't come from anywhere. Charge is simply conserved. Processes which create charged particles must conserve overall charge. This means that a neutral photon can create an electron-positron pair because the total charge before and after the creation process is zero.
 
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  • #3
Drakkith said:
a neutral photon can create an electron-positron pair
two photons (or a photon not in vaccuum)... otherwise charge may be conserved but not the energy/momentum.
 
  • #4
ChrisVer said:
two photons (or a photon not in vaccuum)... otherwise charge may be conserved but not the energy/momentum.

Indeed. Thanks for the correction.
 
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  • #5
Drakkith said:
As far as I know, they don't come from anywhere. Charge is simply conserved. Processes which create charged particles must conserve overall charge. This means that a neutral photon can create an electron-positron pair because the total charge before and after the creation process is zero.
Thanks
 
  • #6
Just to add, the fact that two charged particles can be created from particles that lack electric charge is a pretty amazing and profound result, even though it flows trivially from conservation of charge. Other conservation laws (e.g. baryon number and lepton number) have some equally profound implications.

Generally speaking, this favors a view of the universe as made of "all purpose stuff" that can be differentiated in various ways according to various laws, as opposed to an atomic/lego like preon kind of conception of the fundamental nature of the universe.
 

Related to Where Does the Charge Come From in Electron-Positron Pair Production?

1. What is charge in pair production?

Charge in pair production refers to the electric charge of particles involved in the process of pair production. In this process, a high energy photon interacts with a nucleus or another high energy photon to produce a particle and its antiparticle. The charge of these particles is conserved, meaning the total charge before and after the process remains the same.

2. How is charge conserved in pair production?

Charge is conserved in pair production through the creation of a particle and its antiparticle. These particles have opposite charges, meaning the total charge remains the same before and after the process. This is a fundamental principle of particle physics.

3. What is the significance of charge in pair production?

Charge is significant in pair production because it is a fundamental property of particles. The conservation of charge is crucial in understanding the interactions between particles and the laws of physics. Additionally, the charge of particles determines their behavior and the type of interactions they can have with other particles.

4. Can charge be created or destroyed in pair production?

No, charge cannot be created or destroyed in pair production. As mentioned earlier, the conservation of charge is a fundamental principle of particle physics. In pair production, the total charge before and after the process remains the same, meaning charge cannot be created or destroyed.

5. How is charge related to electric and magnetic fields in pair production?

Charge plays a significant role in the creation of electric and magnetic fields in pair production. The interaction between particles and antiparticles with opposite charges can result in the production of electric and magnetic fields. These fields can then affect the motion of other particles and play a crucial role in the overall process of pair production.

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