Explain the process of annihilation?

Matter and antimatter will annihilate if they meet:
1) Particle meets antiparticle.
2) Both have rest energies due to their masses.
3) Both have kinetic energies due to their movement (if they are moving).
4) They annihilate to produce 2 photons which move in opposite directions.
5) Each photon energy = ½ the total (rest energy + kinetic energy).

CD
Answered by Chris D. Physics tutor

5881 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

An engineering student found that the Youngs modulus of an alloy was 2.8 x 10^11 Pa. The 1.5m wire of the allow increased in length by 0.24% during an experiment. Calculate the stress on the wire.


A diver of mass 60kg stands on the end of a diving board (2m in length). Calculate the upward force exerted on the retaining spring which is 30cm from the start of the diving board.


Asteroid of mass 10^16 kg is travelling in the equatorial plane of Earth. It hits the surface at 45°. After the impact the day shortens by 1% (15 mins). How fast was the asteroid - comment? Neglect effects of atmosphere. Consider only inelastic collision.


What is the optimum angle to throw a snowball for maximum horizontal displacement? (Ignore air resistance, assume the snowball is thrown level with the ground. The angle is measured from the ground up)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning