Question:

'Pair production' involves conversion of a photon into:

Show Hint

Pair production occurs when a high-energy photon interacts with a nucleus, creating an electron-positron pair.
Updated On: Apr 28, 2026
  • A neutron-electron pair
  • A positron-electron pair
  • A neutron-proton pair
  • A proton-electron pair
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Concept of pair production
Pair production is a phenomenon in which a high-energy photon transforms into a particle–antiparticle pair in the presence of a strong electric field, usually that of a nucleus.

Step 2: Energy requirement
For pair production to occur, the photon must have a minimum energy of 1.022 MeV, which is equal to twice the rest mass energy of an electron:
\(1.022\ \text{MeV} = 2 \times 0.511\ \text{MeV}\)

Step 3: Products of the process
The photon converts into an electron (\(e^-\)) and a positron (\(e^+\)) pair. The nucleus is not consumed but is required to conserve momentum.

Final Conclusion:
Thus, pair production involves the creation of an electron–positron pair from a high-energy photon.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0