Antielectron – Definition & Meaning

Antielectron is a term that is often used in the field of particle physics. It refers to a subatomic particle that has the same mass as an electron but carries a positive charge. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of antielectron, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and examples of its usage.

Definitions

An antielectron is a subatomic particle that is also known as a positron. It has a positive charge and is the antimatter counterpart of an electron. When an antielectron and an electron come into contact, they annihilate each other, releasing energy in the form of photons.

Origin

The concept of antielectrons was first proposed by Paul Dirac in 1928. He suggested that the existence of antimatter particles was necessary to complete the equations that describe the behavior of electrons. The first antielectron was discovered in 1932 by Carl Anderson, who observed a track in a cloud chamber that was consistent with the behavior of a positively charged electron.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an antielectron is “a subatomic particle that has the same mass as an electron but a positive charge and that is the antimatter counterpart of an electron.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines an antielectron as “a subatomic particle with the same mass as an electron but a positive charge, regarded as the antiparticle of the electron.”

Associations

Antielectrons are associated with the concept of antimatter, which is the opposite of ordinary matter. When antimatter particles come into contact with matter particles, they annihilate each other, releasing energy in the form of gamma rays. Antimatter is a topic of interest in particle physics because it could potentially be used as a powerful source of energy.

Synonyms

The term antielectron is often used interchangeably with the term positron, which has the same meaning.

Antonyms

The antonym of an antielectron is an electron, which has a negative charge.

The same root words

The root word of antielectron is “electron,” which refers to a subatomic particle that carries a negative charge.

Example Sentences

1. The collision of an antielectron and an electron produces gamma rays.
2. Antimatter, including antielectrons, could potentially be used as a powerful source of energy.
3. The discovery of antielectrons was a significant breakthrough in the field of particle physics.
4. Antielectrons are the antimatter counterpart of electrons and have a positive charge.