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

1. Antiparticles are predicted by the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics.
2. The positron is the antiparticle of the electron, with a positive charge instead of a negative one.
3. Particle-antiparticle annihilation can produce gamma rays, which are high-energy photons.
4. The discovery of antiparticles helped confirm the symmetry in fundamental physics laws.
5. 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?

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