Can Light Be Compressed into Matter?

[iedoc]

Just want to see what people have to say to this. light == raw energy, matter == condensed energy. If we were able to take all the different light waves from the sun, and like a laser(in short, the light bounces around inside a cylinder then shoots out), condense the light energy, would we be able to create "matter"? I know matter cannot be created or destroyed, but i really don't think that's true because matter is only condensed energy that has a structure called an atom, if we can break down that atom, then that atom wouldn't be "matter" anymore. we can turn matter into light, fire as an example? so can we turn light into matter by compressing the raw energy? us humans think we have things figured out. another example of why i don't think "matter cannot be created or destroyed" is true is because (i know its only theory) but black holes' gravitational force is so strong, it collapses the atoms structure, creating an absence of matter. that's why black holes are actually smaller than an atoms nucleus. even math is theory, right?

 

[ZapperZ]

Just want to see what people have to say to this. light == raw energy, matter == condensed energy. If we were able to take all the different light waves from the sun, and like a laser(in short, the light bounces around inside a cylinder then shoots out), condense the light energy, would we be able to create "matter"?

Take as many photons as you like and explain how you intend to use all of them to create a particle with charge e and spin of 1/2.

Zz.

 

[charng]

There is some truth to the idea that matter is condensed energy, as described by Einstein's famous equation E=mc^2. However, it is important to note that matter and energy are not interchangeable in the sense that one can be transformed into the other at will. In order for matter to be created or destroyed, there must be a corresponding release or absorption of energy. This is why the conservation of mass and energy is a fundamental principle in physics.

As for the idea of creating matter by compressing light energy, this is not currently possible with our current technology and understanding of physics. While it is true that we can convert matter into energy through processes like nuclear fission and fusion, the reverse process of converting energy into matter is much more complex and requires extreme conditions such as those found in particle accelerators.

The concept of black holes collapsing atoms and creating an absence of matter is also not entirely accurate. While black holes do have a powerful gravitational force, they do not directly collapse atoms. Instead, they create an intense gravitational pull that can pull in nearby matter, including light, and compress it into a singularity. The size of a black hole is determined by its event horizon, which is the point of no return for anything that enters it, not by the size of an atom's nucleus.

In summary, while the idea of matter being condensed energy has some basis in science, it is important to understand the limitations and complexities involved in the conversion of matter and energy. The laws of conservation still hold true and cannot be disregarded by simply compressing or manipulating energy. Scientific theories and concepts are constantly evolving and being refined, but they are based on extensive research and evidence, not just speculation.