Antielectron Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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antielectron
[ˌæn.tiˈiː.lek.trɒn ]
Definition
particle physics
An antielectron, also known as a positron, is the antimatter counterpart of the electron. It has the same mass as an electron but carries a positive charge. When a positron encounters an electron, they can annihilate each other and produce gamma-ray photons.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Positrons are produced in certain types of radioactive decay.
- In positron emission tomography, a positron is emitted from a radioactive atom.
- Researchers study antielectrons to understand the properties of antimatter.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- Antielectrons were predicted by the theoretical physicist Paul Dirac in 1928 through his work in quantum mechanics.
- When an antielectron meets an electron, they can annihilate each other, releasing energy in the form of gamma rays.
- Antielectrons play a significant role in medical imaging; they are used in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans to observe how your body is working.
Pop Culture
- In the 1997 film 'Contact,' the concept of using positrons (antielectrons) is portrayed as part of advanced technology to send messages across space.
- Comics and films like Marvel's 'Ant-Man' and science fiction stories sometimes reference subatomic particles like antielectrons to explain fantastical powers or technologies.
Historical Discoveries
- The discovery of the antielectron in 1932 by Carl David Anderson provided evidence for the existence of antimatter, changing the way scientists understand the universe.
- Finding the antielectron marked a pivotal moment in particle physics, leading to developments in quantum theory and aiding advancements in technology.
Literature
- Antimatter, including antielectrons, frequently appears in science fiction literature, representing futuristic technologies or alternate realities.
- Authors like Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke have included concepts of antielectrons in their works to explore themes of technology and the universe.
Origin of 'antielectron'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'antielectron' was first introduced in the early 20th century, combining the prefix 'anti-' meaning opposite, with 'electron.'
- In some contexts, antielectrons are also called 'positrons,' which comes from the word 'positive,' suggesting their positive charge compared to electrons.
The term 'antielectron' originated from the study of antimatter in the mid-20th century. The concept of antimatter was first devised by physicist Paul Dirac in 1928 as he formulated his theory combining quantum mechanics and special relativity. Dirac predicted the existence of 'negative energy' states, leading to the conclusion that each particle has a corresponding antiparticle. In 1932, Carl Anderson conducted experiments that confirmed the existence of positrons, essentially solidifying the concept of an antielectron. The term itself combines 'anti-', meaning opposite or against, with 'electron', which is derived from the Greek word 'ēlektron', meaning amber, reflecting the early experiments that demonstrated electric charge in materials.