positron

/'pɔzitrɔn/

Thân thiện

A scientist observes a positron track in a cloud chamber.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • An elementary particle with positive charge: A positron is the antimatter counterpart of the electron, possessing the same mass but a positive electric charge. Its interaction with an electron results in mutual annihilation, producing energy in the form of gamma rays.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The experiment detected the emission of a positron from the radioactive nucleus.
  • When a positron collides with an electron, they annihilate each other.

Advanced Usage

• "Positron emission": A type of radioactive decay where a proton in a nucleus is transformed into a neutron, releasing a positron and a neutrino.
  • Positron emission tomography (PET) relies on detecting gamma rays from positron emission annihilations.

Variants and Related Words

• Positronic (adj): Relating to or involving positrons.
  • The scientist studied the positronic decay process.

Synonyms

• Antielectron: A direct synonym for positron, emphasizing its nature as the antiparticle of the electron.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Positron annihilation: The process where a positron and an electron collide and convert their mass into energy.
  • The study of positron annihilation helps probe material defects.
• Positronium: A short-lived, hydrogen-like atom consisting of an electron and a positron bound together.
  • Positronium chemistry explores interactions before annihilation occurs.

Học thuật

Noun

1. an elementary particle with positive charge; interaction of a positron and an electron results in annihilation

Từ đồng nghĩa

• antielectron