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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Positron and Proton?

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The main differences between a positron and a proton are:

  1. Nature of the particles: A proton is a particle of normal matter, while a positron is a particle of antimatter.
  2. Mass: The proton has a mass of 1.673×10^(-27) kg, whereas the positron has a mass of 9.109×10^(-31) kg.
  3. Stability: Protons are very stable particles in normal laboratory conditions, but positrons are unstable under such conditions.

Both particles have a positive charge, but their mass and stability differ significantly. Positrons are antiparticles, which means they have the same mass as their corresponding particle (in this case, the electron) but the opposite charge. When a positron and an electron collide, they undergo a process called matter-antimatter annihilation, resulting in the destruction of their total mass and the release of energy.

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  • What is the Difference Between Positron and Proton?
  • Comparative Table: Positron vs Proton

    • Comparative Table: Positron vs Proton

    Here is a table comparing the differences between a positron and a proton:

    Feature Positron Proton
    Definition A positively charged antiparticle of the electron A subatomic particle with a positive charge found in the nucleus of every atom
    Mass 9.109 x 10^-31 kg 1.673 x 10^-27 kg
    Charge Positive, with an elementary charge of +1.602 x 10^-19 Coulomb Positive charge
    Stability Unstable under normal laboratory conditions Stable under normal laboratory conditions
    Composition Antiparticle of the electron, composed of antimatter Found inside the atom and composed of three quarks
    Location Found in atomic orbitals Found in the nucleus of every atom
    Spin 1/2 N/A

    Positrons and protons are both positively charged particles, but they have different masses, compositions, and locations within an atom. While protons are found inside the nucleus of every atom, positrons are particles with antimatter characteristics that can exist in atomic orbitals.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.