Exam-style question
Try this first
A particle interaction results in a proton and a positron being produced from a photon with energy 1.022 MeV. Explain how conservation of energy applies in this process.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- The energy of the photon (1.022 MeV) is equal to the total rest mass energy of the proton and positron produced, which is also 1.022 MeV (since each has a rest mass energy of approximately 0.511 MeV).
Explanation
Why this works
This question assesses the application of conservation of energy in particle processes. The answer is strong as it connects the energy of the incoming photon to the rest mass energy of the produced particles, illustrating the principle of energy conservation in particle interactions.
Common mistake
No common mistake is linked to this question yet.