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A photon of energy 4.1 MeV is incident on a lead nucleus., causing the creation of an electron-positron pair. They travel perpendicular to the initial direction of the photon.The energy of the electron is_

Correct answer: B. 2.05 MeV

  • A. 4.1 MeV
  • B. 2.05 MeV
  • C. 1.02 MeV
  • D. 0.51 MeV

Explanation

We know, that in pair production momentum and energy are conserved. By conserving energy, E total = Ee + Ep 4.1 MeV = Ee + Ep Now, by conserving momentum in the y-direction we get Pe - Pp = 0 Pe = Pp Hence, if momentum is the same the energy should be the same Therefore, 4.1 MeV = 2 Ee Ee= 2.05 MeV.

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