+13 votes
in Particle Physics by
edited by

Your answer

Your name to display (optional):
Privacy: Your email address will only be used for sending these notifications.
+1 vote
by

According to the Pauli exclusion principle, which is a fundamental principle in quantum mechanics, no two identical fermions (such as electrons) can occupy the same quantum state simultaneously. This principle applies to electrons regardless of their charges. Therefore, two electrons with opposite charges cannot be in the exact same place at the same time while maintaining their individual identities.

If two electrons were to collide, their behavior would depend on various factors such as their relative speeds, the angles at which they approach each other, and the interaction forces between them. When charged particles collide, they can exchange energy and momentum through electromagnetic interactions.

In classical physics, if two electrons with opposite charges collide head-on, they would experience a strong electromagnetic repulsion, causing them to scatter apart. The exact trajectories and outcomes of such a collision would depend on the specific conditions and forces involved.

However, at the quantum level, describing the precise details of electron-electron collisions requires quantum field theory, which incorporates quantum mechanics and special relativity. In such a framework, the behavior of particles and their interactions is described probabilistically using mathematical equations. Quantum field theory calculations can predict probabilities for various outcomes, such as the scattering angles and energy transfers, but the specifics of the collision would require detailed calculations and experimental measurements.

It's important to note that in particle physics experiments, electrons are treated as point-like particles. However, in reality, electrons have properties of both particles and waves and are described by wavefunctions that extend in space. The full quantum mechanical treatment of electron-electron interactions is complex and involves considering their wave-like nature, spin, and quantum fields.

In summary, two electrons with opposite charges cannot occupy the exact same quantum state simultaneously due to the Pauli exclusion principle. When they collide, the outcome depends on several factors, including their initial conditions, forces involved, and the quantum nature of their interaction. A complete understanding of electron-electron collisions requires a sophisticated analysis within the framework of quantum field theory.

Welcome to Physicsgurus Q&A, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of the community.
...