Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A positron is the antiparticle or antimatter counterpart to an electron. It has the same mass as an electron but carries a positive charge.
Related terms
Antimatter: Antimatter refers to particles that are similar to ordinary matter particles but carry opposite charges (e.g., positrons instead of electrons).
Particle Accelerator: A particle accelerator is a scientific device used to accelerate charged particles, including positrons, to high speeds for various research purposes.
Annihilation: Annihilation is the process in which a particle and its antiparticle collide and convert their mass into energy, resulting in their mutual destruction.