One reason a photon could not create an odd number of electrons and positrons is that such a process would
A) not conserve energy.
B) result in the creation of mass.
C) require photon energies that are not attainable.
D) defy the uncertainty principle.
E) not conserve charge.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Creating an odd number of electrons and positrons would result in a net charge, violating the law of charge conservation. Photons are electrically neutral, so any process they initiate must result in a system that is also electrically neutral. An electron has a negative charge, and a positron (the electron's antiparticle) has a positive charge. Creating them in pairs keeps the overall charge balanced.

One Reason a Photon Could Not Create an Odd Number