Lesson: Positrons Physics • 9th Grade

In this lesson, we will learn how to describe the properties of positrons, the differences between positrons and electrons, and the differences between matter and antimatter.

Lesson Plan

Students will be able to

recall that the positron is the antiparticle of the electron,
recall that the electron is the antiparticle of the positron,
recall the relative and absolute charges of the positron,
recall that an antiparticle is a particle with an opposite charge but the same mass,
recall that when a particle and antiparticle collide, they will annihilate, producing photons,
recall that a particle–antiparticle pair can be produced by high-energy photons,
know the symbols for a positron.

Lesson Video

Lesson Playlist

01:25
01:23
01:54

Lesson Worksheet

Q1:

The diagram shows an electron and a positron colliding. The two particles are destroyed and a high-energy photon is created. What is the name given to this process?

Q2:

Which of the following statements correctly describe the similarities and differences between electrons and positrons?

Electrons and positrons have different masses.
Electrons and positrons have opposite electric charges.
Electrons and positrons have the same mass.
Electrons and positrons have the same electric charge.

Q3:

What particle is the antiparticle of the electron?