Why did Matter Beat Out Anitmatter?

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In summary, the article discusses the question of why matter prevailed over antimatter in the early universe. Despite the expectation of an equal amount of matter and antimatter after the Big Bang, observations show that there is a significant imbalance with more matter remaining. Scientists are still working to understand this phenomenon and theories such as the existence of a matter quantum number or the role of meson B particles are being explored.
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Phrak
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"Why did Matter Beat Out Anitmatter?"

"Why did Matter Beat Out Anitmatter?," reads the article title listed in the sidebar on the righthand side of the window.

What does this even mean? I suspect that 'matter' and 'antimatter' are arbitrary labels. If this is correct, what is apparently imbalanced in the Universe?
 
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Due to rules of equlibirum in the universe it would be logical to suspect that after Big Bang there was 50% of matter and 50% of antimatter. If that were true, the matter and antimatter would anihilate with each other and turn into energy. However, obsevration of the universe shows that 1/10.000 of matter remained while the antimatter was almost all destroyed. Many scientist are asking themselfs why this is so. No definitive theorem is yet to be accepted. I read an article about a weak ago in which they were trying to explain this matter with meson B particles.
 
  • #3
Is there a matter quantum numbr?
 

1. What is the difference between matter and antimatter?

Matter and antimatter are essentially the same, except for one key difference: their electric charge. Matter is made up of atoms with a positive nucleus and negative electrons, while antimatter is made up of atoms with a negative nucleus and positive positrons. This difference in charge causes the two to annihilate each other when they come into contact.

2. How is it possible that matter beat out antimatter if they are both equally present in the universe?

It is true that matter and antimatter were created in equal amounts during the Big Bang. However, due to a phenomenon called CP-violation, which causes a slight asymmetry in the behavior of matter and antimatter, there was a small surplus of matter left over. This surplus is what makes up all the matter in the universe today.

3. Can we create and study antimatter in a lab?

Yes, scientists have been able to create and study small amounts of antimatter in laboratory settings. However, it is a difficult and expensive process, and the antimatter created is typically short-lived and difficult to contain.

4. What are the potential implications if antimatter had beat out matter?

If antimatter had beat out matter, the universe as we know it would not exist. Antimatter and matter would have annihilated each other, leaving behind only light and energy. Without matter, there would be no stars, planets, or life.

5. Is there a possibility that matter and antimatter will eventually annihilate each other in the future?

While it is possible for matter and antimatter to come into contact and annihilate each other, it is highly unlikely. The universe is expanding, causing matter and antimatter to become more and more spread out, decreasing the chances of them coming into contact. Additionally, scientists believe that CP-violation is a permanent feature of the universe, meaning that matter will always have a slight advantage over antimatter.

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