What is Pair production?
In [[physics]], '''pair production''' can happen when a [[photon]] with a lot of energy is near the [[Nucleus (physics)|nucleus]] of an [[atom]]. This most commonly makes an [[electron]] and a [[positron]]. It can also make other [[subatomic particle]]s, but it has to make the antiparticle (opposite particle) of that subatomic particle too. The two particles go in opposite directions. Pair production is more common if the photon has a lot of energy. It is also more common if the nucleus has a bigger [[atomic number]]. Pair production usually happens with energy levels over 25 [[Electronvolt|MeV]]. Pair production happens sometimes in [[radiation therapy]] treatments that use photon beams with a lot of energy. It is somewhat related to photoelectric effect. [[Category:Wave physics]]