Pair production can take place only if the energy E of the photon is:
Correct answer: D. E > 1.02 Mev
- A. E = 0.52 Mev
- B. E < 1.02 Mev
- C. E < 0.52 Mev
- D. E > 1.02 Mev
Explanation
Pair production is a process in which a photon interacts with a nucleus or an atomic electron and produces an electron-positron pair. According to the principles of conservation of energy and momentum, pair production can only occur if the energy of the photon is greater than or equal to the rest mass energy of the particle pair being produced. In the case of electron-positron pair production, the rest mass energy is approximately 0.51 MeV for each particle, so the total minimum energy required is twice that, which is 1.02 MeV.
This question appeared on the ETEA MDCAT 2008 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.
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About Photons and the Particle Model of Light
The particle model treats light as photons with energy E equals hf and momentum related to wavelength. Questions involve the photoelectric effect, work function, threshold frequency, stopping potential and photon energy, while distinguishing particle behaviour from the wave description of interference and diffraction.
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