A positron is the antimatter counterpart of an electron, possessing the same mass but a positive charge. When a positron encounters an electron, they annihilate each other, producing gamma rays.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Positrons are produced during beta plus decay in nuclear reactions.
In the Sun, positrons are created during proton-proton chain reactions.
The annihilation of a positron and electron releases energy in the form of gamma rays.
Positron emission is a process that helps balance charge in certain types of radioactive decay.
Detection of positrons can provide information about processes happening inside stars.
A subatomic particle with a negative charge and a mass equal to that of a positron.
Gamma Ray: High-energy electromagnetic radiation produced by nuclear reactions or particle annihilation.
Proton-Proton Chain Reaction: A series of nuclear fusion processes that convert hydrogen into helium, releasing energy and creating particles like positrons.