Antimatter, the charge reversed equivalent of matter, has captured the imaginations of science fiction fans for years as a perfectly efficient form of energy. While normal matter consists of atoms with negatively charged electrons orbiting positively charged nuclei, antimatter consists of positively charged positrons orbiting negatively charged anti-nuclei. When antimatter and matter meet, both substances are annihilated, creating massive amounts of energy. Instances in which antimatter is portrayed in science fiction stories (such as Star Trek) are examined, including their purposes (fuel source, weapons, alternate universes) and properties. Students compare and contrast matter and antimatter, learn how antimatter can be used as a form of energy, and consider potential engineering applications for antimatter.
- Subject:
- Applied Science
- Engineering
- Physical Science
- Physics
- Space Science
- Technology
- Material Type:
- Lesson Plan
- Provider:
- TeachEngineering
- Provider Set:
- TeachEngineering
- Author:
- Christine Hawthorne
- Rachel Howser
- Date Added:
- 09/18/2014