pair production

noun

: the transformation of a quantum of radiant energy simultaneously into an electron and a positron when the quantum interacts with the intense electric field near a nucleus

Examples of pair production in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Thus, if there is a preferred direction in space-time and signs of Lorentz symmetry breaking, there should be a deviation from a constant rate of top quark pair production in the LHC dependent on the time of day the experiment is conducted! Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pair production was in 1934

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Cite this Entry

“Pair production.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pair%20production. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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