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

8817 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A cable with a diameter of 6mm is used to lift crate. Calculate the mass of the crate required to create a stress of 350 MPa.


Explain what is meant by specific latent heat of fusion


How can a car be changing velocity yet not changing speed?


Why does a small puddle of water evaporate at room temperature, even though the temperature is way below the boiling point of water?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences