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Find the energy of each (γ) ray, assuming the electron and positron are initially nearly at rest.

A. (mₑ c²)
B. (2mₑ c²)
C. (0.5mₑ c²)
D. (mₑ c²/2)

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The energy released from the annihilation of an electron and a positron at rest is 2m_e c², and the correct answer is B. (2m_e c²).

Step-by-step explanation:

When a positron and an electron meet, they annihilate each other, converting their entire mass into energy.

According to Einstein's famous equation E = mc², where m is the mass and c is the speed of light, the energy released from one electron-positron pair is 2mec², as both particles have the same mass me.

Therefore, because they are assumed to be at rest initially, the correct answer is B. (2me c²).

User Daron
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