Potential energy and annihilation

In summary, when an electron and an anti-electron are in a gravitational field, they both have potential energy. If they annihilate, the momentum of the resulting photons will increase, thus conserving the total energy. This is known as gravitational redshift. However, with the usual conventions, the photons will actually experience a decrease in potential energy. It is possible for light to have potential energy, which would result in the daughter particles inheriting this potential energy from their parents.
  • #1
Guywithquestions
3
0
Let's assume an electron and an anti-electron are in a gravitational field so they both have potential energy.
What will become of this energy if they annihilate?
Will the momentum of the photons after the annihilation will increase so the total energy will be conserved?

Thanks for answering!
 
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  • #2
Guywithquestions said:
Will the momentum of the photons after the annihilation will increase so the total energy will be conserved?
Yes*. This is known as gravitational redshift.

*With the usual conventions (reference point “at infinity”) it is a decrease rather than an increase
 
  • #3
Doesn't light have potential energy?

If it has, then it sounds very intuitive that daughter particles would inherit the potential energy of the parents.
 

FAQ: Potential energy and annihilation

1. What is potential energy?

Potential energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its position or condition. It is stored energy that has the potential to do work.

2. How is potential energy related to annihilation?

In the context of physics, potential energy can be converted into other forms of energy, such as kinetic energy or thermal energy. In the process of annihilation, potential energy is converted into other types of energy, such as radiation or mass-energy.

3. Can potential energy be negative?

Yes, potential energy can be negative. This is often the case with gravitational potential energy, where a negative value indicates that work must be done to move an object to a lower position.

4. What are some examples of potential energy?

Some examples of potential energy include a stretched spring, a raised object, and a charged battery. These objects all have stored energy due to their position or condition.

5. How is potential energy calculated?

The formula for calculating potential energy depends on the type of potential energy being considered. For gravitational potential energy, the formula is PE = mgh, where m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height of the object. For elastic potential energy, the formula is PE = 1/2kx^2, where k is the spring constant and x is the displacement from equilibrium.

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