Pair production
If a photon passes very close to a nucleus, it can produce a particle and an antiparticle.
It’s important to note that it produces two things: a particle and antiparticle.
That means we convert energy (of the photon) into mass (of the particle and antiparticle)!
Photon energy
- The photon needs to have quite a lot of energy to cause pair production: photon energy is based on its frequency.
- We usually need a gamma ray for pair production to happen.
flashcards
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What happens when a photon passes very close to a nucleus? | It can produce a particle and an antiparticle. |
| In pair production, energy is converted into what? | Mass (of the particle and antiparticle). |
| What type of electromagnetic wave is usually needed for pair production? | A gamma ray. |
| How is photon energy determined? | Based on its frequency. |