Annihilation and anti-matter interactions

In summary, particles are only annihilated when they meet their respective anti-particles. This means that when an antiproton meets a positron, the positron is not annihilated. The term "annihilated" in particle physics refers to the replacement of matter and antimatter with something else, such as photons or other particle/antiparticle combinations. This means that when an elementary particle is created and later annihilated, it replaces something else and is eventually replaced itself.
  • #1
hasnain721
40
0
Hi,
We are learning particle physics at the moment in school.

My teacher was telling me that when matter meets anti matter, they annihilate each other out. My question is what happens when an anti proton meets a positron or when an anti neutrino meets an electron. Would they annihilate each other or do the particles hav to exist in their pairs to annihilate?

Please reply,
Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Particles are only annihilated when they meet their respectively anti-partice.
So if antiproton meets a positron the positron is not annihilated.
 
  • #3
eys_physics said:
Particles are only annihilated when they meet their respectively anti-partice.
So if antiproton meets a positron the positron is not annihilated.

so..they would continue to exist then?
 
  • #4
yes, correct!
 
  • #5
thanks!
 
  • #6
The word "annihilated" is a special term in particle physics and really doesn't mean what the term is literally defined in the usual English dictionary. A better term would be "replaced by something else," as in, when matter and antimatter meet, they are replaced by something else. The something else could be photons (or gamma rays), or it could be various other things including some other particle / antiparticle combinations.

The other half of the "annihilated" term is "created," which could be translated as "replaces something else." So an elementary particle is created and later annihilated, this would mean that it replaces something else and eventually is itself replaced.
 
  • #7
CarlB said:
The word "annihilated" is a special term in particle physics and really doesn't mean what the term is literally defined in the usual English dictionary. A better term would be "replaced by something else," as in, when matter and antimatter meet, they are replaced by something else. The something else could be photons (or gamma rays), or it could be various other things including some other particle / antiparticle combinations.

The other half of the "annihilated" term is "created," which could be translated as "replaces something else." So an elementary particle is created and later annihilated, this would mean that it replaces something else and eventually is itself replaced.


riiite!
 

FAQ: Annihilation and anti-matter interactions

1. What is annihilation and anti-matter interaction?

Annihilation is the process in which a particle and its corresponding anti-particle collide and are converted into energy. Anti-matter interactions refer to the interactions between particles and their corresponding anti-particles.

2. How is anti-matter created?

Anti-matter is created through high-energy collisions, such as those in particle accelerators, or through natural processes such as radioactive decay. In these processes, energy is converted into matter and anti-matter pairs are created.

3. What happens during annihilation?

During annihilation, a particle and its corresponding anti-particle come into contact and annihilate each other, releasing energy in the form of photons or other particles. This process is governed by the laws of conservation of energy and momentum.

4. Can anti-matter be used as a source of energy?

Yes, anti-matter has a high energy density and when it comes into contact with regular matter, it releases a large amount of energy. However, the production and storage of anti-matter is currently very difficult and expensive, making it impractical as a source of energy.

5. What are the potential applications of anti-matter interactions?

Anti-matter interactions have potential applications in fields such as medical imaging and cancer treatment. They can also provide insights into the fundamental properties of particle interactions and the early universe. However, further research and development is needed to fully understand and harness the power of anti-matter interactions.

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