Antiparticle
Definition
An antiparticle is a subatomic particle that has the same mass as a corresponding particle but opposite electric and magnetic properties. When a particle and its antiparticle meet, they annihilate each other, releasing energy.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Antiparticles are predicted by the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics.
- The positron is the antiparticle of the electron, with a positive charge instead of a negative one.
- Particle-antiparticle annihilation can produce gamma rays, which are high-energy photons.
- The discovery of antiparticles helped confirm the symmetry in fundamental physics laws.
- In solar nuclear reactions, positrons are produced during certain fusion processes like proton-proton chains.
Review Questions
- What happens when a particle meets its corresponding antiparticle?
- Which subatomic particle is known to have an antiparticle called a positron?
- How does antiparticle annihilation relate to energy release in stellar processes?
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Related terms
Positron: The antiparticle of the electron, having identical mass but carrying a positive charge
Gamma Rays: High-energy electromagnetic waves produced by processes like particle-antiparticle annihilation
Proton-Proton Chain: A series of nuclear reactions that occur in stars like the Sun, leading to energy production and involving positrons
