A positron traveling at 50% the speed of light collides with an electron traveling at 75% the speed of light. The positron and electron annihilate. How much energy is released in MeV?
A) 1.36 MeV
B) 0.182 MeV
C) 1.02 MeV
D) 0.892 MeV
E) 1.53 MeV

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is A because the total energy released in the annihilation of a positron and an electron is equal to the sum of their rest energies, which is 2 x 0.511 MeV = 1.022 MeV.

A Positron Traveling at 50% the Speed of Light Collides