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

5933 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the critical angle of a beam of light leaving a transparent material with a refractive index of 2?


Is F=ma Newton's 2nd Laws of Motion?


Use the kinetic theory of gases to explain why the pressure inside a container increases when the temperature of the air inside it rises. Assume that the volume of the container remains constant.


What are the different classifications of sub-atomic particles?


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