What is the maximum frequency photon of one of the photons produced when a electron and positron annihilate each other?

First we must remember that a positron is the antiparticle of the electron, meaning that they will both have the same amount of rest energy (0.510999 MeV) however since annihilation produces 2 gamma photons each photon will have the same rest energy as one of the particles (0.510999 MeV). We then use the equation E=hc/λ rearranged to λ=hc/E and then sub in:(6.63x10-34)(3x108)/(0.511x106)(1.60x10-19) Notice here that in the denominator i have converted (0.510999 MeV) into MeV and then multiplied by the charge of an electron to get the energy in Joules (J) .
This then gives us the maximum wavelength of a single photon during a photon-positron annihilation: 2.43x10-12m

Answered by Physics tutor

8892 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why does a body engaged in uniform circular motion do no work?


Why does magnetic field do no work on an electric charge?


A circuit with a voltage source of 18V, has 3 resistors all connected on parallel, values at 2ohms, 6ohms and 7.5ohms. Find the total circuit resistance, and then subsequently, the total current supplied and power dissipated in the curcuit.


What is the mathematical relationship between the frequencies of musical notes that we perceive identical, but at different octaves?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences