Physics · Composition and size of nucleus, atomic masses, mass-energy relation, mass defect

Positronium is converted into

Positronium is converted into

  • A. 2 Photons each of energy \( 0.51 \mathrm{MeV} \)
  • B. 1 Photon of energy 1.02 MeV
  • C. 2 Photons each of energy 1.02MeV
  • D. 1 Photon of energy \( 0.51 \mathrm{MeV} \)

Step-by-step solution

Positronium is a bound state of an electron and a positron. When it annihilates, the total rest mass energy (2 × 0.511 MeV = 1.022 MeV) is converted into photons. Momentum conservation requires at least two photons, and the most common decay mode (para-positronium) is into two photons each of energy 0.511 MeV. One-photon decay is impossible due to momentum conservation, and two photons of 1.02 MeV each would violate energy conservation.
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