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Antimatter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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antimatter

[ˈæntiˌmætər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

science phenomenon

Antimatter is a type of matter that is composed of antiparticles, which have the same mass as particles of ordinary matter but opposite charges. When antimatter comes into contact with matter, they annihilate each other, creating energy in the process. Research into antimatter is significant in fields like physics and cosmology.

Examples of usage

  • Antimatter is used in particle accelerators to study fundamental particles.
  • In science fiction, antimatter propulsion is often depicted as a means of faster-than-light travel.
  • The concept of antimatter helps explain certain phenomena in the universe.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • When antimatter and matter meet, they annihilate each other, releasing a tremendous amount of energy, following Einstein's equation E=mc².
  • Antimatter is naturally produced in small quantities during certain types of radioactive decay and in cosmic rays.
  • Researchers have created and trapped small amounts of antimatter in laboratories, but it's extremely rare in the universe.

Pop Culture

  • Antimatter is often featured in science fiction books and movies, notably in films like 'Star Trek' where it is used as a powerful energy source.
  • The concept of antimatter has sparked public imagination, leading to various theories and interpretations in entertainment media.

Philosophy

  • The notion of antimatter challenges our understanding of reality, provoking questions about existence and duality.
  • Philosophically, antimatter raises discussion on the nature of opposites and the balance of the universe.

Technology

  • Antimatter is being explored for potential uses in advanced propulsion systems for space travel.
  • Medical applications, such as positron emission tomography (PET scans), use antimatter to image the body.

Origin of 'antimatter'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Antimatter' comes from the prefix 'anti-', meaning against, and 'matter' which refers to physical substance.
  • The term was first used in the scientific community in the 20th century, around the time of the development of modern particle physics.

The term 'antimatter' was first coined in 1950 by the American physicist John Archibald Wheeler. It has roots in the mathematical formulations of quantum mechanics, specifically the work of Paul Dirac in the 1920s. Dirac's equations suggested that for every particle, there should exist a corresponding antiparticle, leading to the concept of antimatter. Initially a theoretical idea, antimatter was confirmed through experiments decades later, particularly in the discovery of positrons in 1932. This paved the way for further research into antimatter, revealing its potential applications in medicine, energy generation, and fundamental physics. Antimatter has intrigued scientists and the public alike, often capturing the imagination in various science fiction narratives.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,953 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.