Mass is converted into energy which appears as Binding Energy

In summary, the conversation is discussing the concept of mass being converted into energy during nuclear reactions, specifically in relation to the electric and nuclear fields. The question is raised if this can be generalized to all forces and energy fields and when such changes take place. One person suggests that this only occurs when a photon is split into a matter/antimatter pair, while another mentions the universal application of E=mc^2.
  • #1
rushil
40
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We know that in nuclear reactions , mass is converted into energy which appears as Binding Energy. Now, when we consider electrons coming close to the nucleus during nuclear/atomic phenomenon, can we consider that the energy present in the electric and Nuclear fields is converted into mass?? Can this be generalised to all forces and energy fields..i.e. If a body moves in a certain force field associated with a vector field, does energy change to mass? When do such changes take place? Why/Why not?
 
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  • #2
Hey people...can somebody please offer their views on this... FASSSSTTTT...Thanks!
 
  • #3
I am not an expert by any means but the only time I know of energy turning to mass is when a photon is split ino a matter/antimatter pair.
 
  • #4

1. How is mass converted into energy?

According to Einstein's famous equation E=mc^2, mass can be converted into energy through the process of nuclear fusion or fission. In these reactions, the nucleus of an atom is either split or fused with other nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy in the form of photons.

2. What is binding energy?

Binding energy is the energy required to hold together the nucleus of an atom. This energy is necessary to overcome the strong force that naturally repels positively charged protons within the nucleus. The stronger the binding energy, the more stable the nucleus is.

3. How does binding energy relate to mass?

According to Einstein's theory of relativity, mass and energy are equivalent and can be converted into one another. In the case of binding energy, the energy released from the fusion or fission of nuclei is a result of the conversion of a small amount of mass.

4. Is all mass converted into energy in nuclear reactions?

No, not all mass is converted into energy in nuclear reactions. The total mass of the products (reactants) must equal the total mass of the reactants (products) plus the energy released. This is known as the law of conservation of mass and energy.

5. What are the practical applications of mass converting into energy?

The conversion of mass into energy has major implications in the field of nuclear energy. Nuclear reactors use the energy released from nuclear reactions to produce electricity. Nuclear weapons also use this process to release a large amount of energy in a short amount of time. Additionally, understanding this process has helped scientists develop new technologies, such as medical imaging devices like PET scans, which use the conversion of mass into energy to detect abnormalities in the body.

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