What Happens When Differing Quantities of Matter and Antimatter Annihilate?

  • Thread starter trini
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In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of matter and antimatter annihilation and whether it is possible to convert energy into matter. It is mentioned that hadron number and baryon number are conserved, and in the case of complete annihilation, there would be some matter left over and a lot of energy. It is also noted that Fermilab is currently creating antiprotons from energy.
  • #1
trini
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i have a question, if i took matter and antimatter of differing quantities, so for example, i took a carbon atom made up of matter and a boron atom made of antimatter, when they annhialate, would i be left with a hydrogen atom made of matter plus energy?
 
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  • #2
With that much energy released you probably would not wind with an atom at all, but yes, in the end there would be some matter left over and a lot of energy, assuming complete annihilation of the antimatter.
 
  • #3
The only stable hadron (in isolation) is a proton. Hadron number is conserved (as far as we know). With carbon-12 and anti-boron-11, assuming complete annihilation, you will have one proton and one electron left, after the dust settles. With carbon-12 and anti-boron-10, two protons and two electrons, with a very small probability of one deuteron.
Bob S
 
  • #4
Bob S said:
Hadron number is conserved (as far as we know).

No it's not. [itex]\rho \rightarrow \pi \pi[/itex]. One goes in, two go out.
 
  • #5
just out of interest if matter can be converted to energy can energy be converted to matter. I was asked this and i think the answer is yes but i can't think of a situation where it would happen
 
  • #6
will the remaining matter absorb the energy?
 
  • #7
Vanadium 50 said:
No it's not. [itex]\rho \rightarrow \pi \pi[/itex]. One goes in, two go out.
Sorry- I meant baryon number is conserved. The only stable hadron (in isolation) is a proton.
bob s
 
  • #8
matt_crouch said:
just out of interest if matter can be converted to energy can energy be converted to matter. I was asked this and i think the answer is yes but i can't think of a situation where it would happen
Fermilab is creating protons and antiprotons at the rate of ~3 x 1011 from energy per hour. See left panel in
http://www-bd.fnal.gov/notifyservlet/www?project=outside
Right now, Fermilab is creating about 28 milliamps (circulating current) of antiprotons per hour.
Bob S
 

FAQ: What Happens When Differing Quantities of Matter and Antimatter Annihilate?

What is matter/antimatter annihilation?

Matter/antimatter annihilation is a process in which equal amounts of matter and antimatter come into contact and completely convert into energy.

What happens during matter/antimatter annihilation?

During matter/antimatter annihilation, the particles of matter and antimatter collide and their opposite charges cancel each other out, resulting in the release of a large amount of energy in the form of photons.

How is matter/antimatter annihilation different from nuclear reactions?

Matter/antimatter annihilation is different from nuclear reactions in that nuclear reactions involve the splitting or combining of atomic nuclei, while matter/antimatter annihilation involves the complete conversion of matter into energy.

What are the potential uses of matter/antimatter annihilation?

Matter/antimatter annihilation has the potential to be used as a highly efficient source of energy, as the conversion of matter into energy is much more efficient than traditional methods of energy production. It is also being researched for potential applications in spacecraft propulsion and medical imaging.

Why is the study of matter/antimatter annihilation important?

The study of matter/antimatter annihilation is important because it helps us better understand the fundamental properties of matter and antimatter, and could potentially lead to advancements in energy production and propulsion technology.

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