Antimatter Flashcards
What is a cloud chamber?
A cup with felt at the bottom soaked with alcohol. The cup is placed upside down on a cold surface of dry ice. The temperature difference allows us to see muoms.
How does a cloud chamber work?
Cup is warm at the top so the alcohol vaporises, goes down the cup. Cup is cold at the bottom so vapour condenses. The particles need something to condense on, attracted to the charge of the muoms allowing us to see them as little white lines.
What is antimatter?
Opposite of matter. Antimatter is matter made up of elementary particles which are antiparticle of those that make up normal matter.
What are the characteristics of antimatter?
Same mass as their particle.
Opposite charge.
What happens when matter meets antimatter?
They annihilate, releasing 2 photons in the form of gamma radiation. The photons must be equal (energy) and opposite to conserve momentum.
