Positron

Definition

A positron is the antimatter counterpart of an electron, possessing the same mass but a positive charge. When a positron encounters an electron, they annihilate each other, producing gamma rays.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Positrons are produced during beta plus decay in nuclear reactions.
2. In the Sun, positrons are created during proton-proton chain reactions.
3. The annihilation of a positron and electron releases energy in the form of gamma rays.
4. Positron emission is a process that helps balance charge in certain types of radioactive decay.
5. Detection of positrons can provide information about processes happening inside stars.

Review Questions

• What happens when a positron encounters an electron?
• How are positrons produced in the Sun?
• Why is the study of positrons important for understanding stellar processes?

Related terms

Electron:

A subatomic particle with a negative charge and a mass equal to that of a positron.

Gamma Ray: High-energy electromagnetic radiation produced by nuclear reactions or particle annihilation.

Proton-Proton Chain Reaction: A series of nuclear fusion processes that convert hydrogen into helium, releasing energy and creating particles like positrons.