electron-positron collisions
Electron-positron collisions occur when an electron, which has a negative charge, meets a positron, its antimatter counterpart with a positive charge. When these two particles collide, they can annihilate each other, resulting in the release of energy in the form of photons, typically gamma rays. This process is a fundamental aspect of particle physics and helps scientists study the properties of matter and antimatter.
These collisions are often studied in particle accelerators, such as the Large Electron-Positron Collider (LEP), where electrons and positrons are accelerated to high speeds before being directed to collide. The energy produced in these collisions can create new particles, allowing researchers to explore the fundamental forces and particles that make up the universe.