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Mutual annihilation is the term we usually apply in physics to the combining of a particle and its antiparticle. Under the circumstances, the particles are completely converted into energy. That is, their entire mass is converted into electromagnetic energy. Let's look a bit more closely.
What we usually encounter is mutual annihilation events in the form of positrons interacting with electrons. The positron is the anti-particle of the electron, and shortly after the creation of the positron (either in beta plus nuclear decay or pair production), the positron will "combine" with an electron, and both particles will be completely converted into energy. This energy appears in the form of two energetic gamma rays going in opposite directions. Each gamma ray has an energy of about 0.511 MeV, or more, depending on the kinetic energy of the positron and electron that interact to release them. Links can be found below for more information.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 8y agoI am not the expert in the field of physics. But I also have not lost my common sense. When electron and positron collide with each other, you get two gamma rays. My esteemed colleague Quirkyquantummechanic has said that the particle and antiparticle are completely converted into energy. Then does this formation of the energy match with the famous equation of the Einstein? The equation goes as E = m c square. Here c is the speed of light. Speed of light is fairly high. Speed of light is roughly 300,000,000 m/s. The square of this number is 90,000,000,000,000,000. As per the theory of my colleague, you get only one gamma ray each from the entire mass of the electron or the positron. It fallows that from the mass of one electron, you get one gamma ray only and from the mass of positron, you get another gamma ray only. Then it is logical that you get one electron from one gamma ray and one positron from another gamma ray. ( The reverse of the process of annihilation.) This is not correct. If you put the mass of the electron and positron, in the equation of the Einstein, you will get much higher energy, than what my colleague has mentioned. (He has mentioned that you will get pair of gamma rays.) This is called as 'emotional' involvement into what you 'believe' in. Science has nothing to do with your 'emotions' and 'beliefs'. You have to explain every thing with logic. Here goes the explanation for the same. It is the 'kinetic' energy of of the electron and positron, that is left as the pair of gamma rays. The electron and positron vanish into 'nothing'. This is one of the greatest invention of the modern time. From particle (electron) you get gamma ray. It fallows that from antiparticle (positron), you get anti-gamma ray. When proton collide with anti-proton, you get many gamma rays, electrons and positrons and neutrinos. Here the kinetic energy has to be much more than electron positron pair. As the mass of the particles is much larger. There has to be 'equal' number of electrons and positrons get generated in the process. They can in turn again get annihilated into nothing and pairs of gamma and anti-gamma rays. The best way to study the annihilation is to study annihilation between neutron and anti-neutron. Here the element of electrical charge is not there. Here you will find that there is complete destruction of the mass into number of electrons and positrons and number of gamma rays. These electrons and positrons will annihilate each other to give you more pairs of gamma rays. So you will get complete destruction of the particle and anti-particle into nothing and only kinetic energy remains there as gamma and anti-gamma rays. If neutrinos are released, then half of them has to be anti-neutrinos. As per Einsteins equation you have E = m c square. if you multiply the equation by minus one, what you get is : minus E = Minus m c square. If you denote the particles as 'm' in the above equation, then you have to denote anti-particle as 'minus m'. It fallows that from anti-particle, you get anti-energy. Even if the 'slightest' mass can be destructed into nothing, then 'all' the mass can be destructed into nothing. This explains the the theory of origin of matter and anti-matter from nothing. Any thing of this sort is bound to generate the emotional reaction. But then the truth only prevails. Here goes the link to the theory. http://www.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_theory_of_creation_of_the_matter_and_anti_matter_from_nothing
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What happens when a particle an its corresponding particle of antimatter meet?
If a quark and anti-quark collide, they could scatter. But it is also possible (with increasing probability at lower energies) that they undergo what is called mutual annihilation. In mutual annihilation, both particles are converted entirely into energy. Quarks, it should be noted, cannot exist by themselves. It should also be noted that there are some particles created by quark-antiquark pairs. These particles, like the J/psi meson, are short-lived, but do exist. Investigators are still working on a better understanding of quarks and the relationship between the strong, weak and electromagnetic interactions.
Why are positrons short lived?
Positrons don't last long because they are anti-electrons; they are antimatter. And they will combine with an electron after their appearance, and do so in a relatively short period of time. Both particles are oppositely charged and attract each other. And in an event called mutual annihilation, the total mass of both the positron and the electron are converted into energy.
Can you put the word mutual in a sentence?
They developed a mutual friendship.
What types of damage could be expected from a collision from an asteroid?
World annihilation comes to mind.
How does a PET Scan use Radioisotope decay?
A PET scan uses radioisotope decay by detecting the pair of annihilation photons emitted during the decay process.
Why is surrendering a good way to end a war?
The alternatives are either annihilation (possibly mutual) or taking to the hills to carry on guerrilla combat, perhaps for years.
How can two nations at war create an effective and long lasting peace?
by both nations detering one another with assured mutual annihilation or something like that
When was Celebration of Annihilation created?
Celebration of Annihilation was created in 1996.
When did Total Annihilation happen?
Total Annihilation happened in 1997.
How many pages does Annihilation - novel - have?
"Annihilation" by Jeff VanderMeer has for around 195 pages.
If a photon is the product of the Dirac annihilation energy of a virtual electron-positron pair how is the energy dispersed?
In mutual annihilation, a positron and an electron combine. and the masses of both particles are entirely converted into energy. The energy is divided between not one but two gamma rays, each moving in the opposite direction. Only the two photons are produced in this phenomenon, and all quantum mechanical characteristics must be conserved. Additionally, the use of the term "virtual" to describe the electron-positron pair is probably something that might be avoided.We might note that the mutual distruction of an electron-positron pair is called mutual annihilation by physics types. A separate question (and its answer) exist. There is a bit more to this as regards the aspects of conservation, but the essential ideas are all contained here. Use the links below for more information.
Which mod of total annihilation spring is most like tawp?
Balanced Annihilation
When was Annihilation Earth created?
Annihilation Earth was created on 2009-12-12.
When was Annihilation of the Wicked created?
Annihilation of the Wicked was created on 2005-05-23.
When was Annihilation of Civilization created?
Annihilation of Civilization was created on 1989-04-03.
When was Annihilation - novel - created?
Annihilation - novel - was created on 2004-06-01.
When was Science of Annihilation created?
Science of Annihilation was created on 2009-05-22.
