Ok really dumb hypothetical nearly impossible question

In summary, being hit with a 287 TeV lead ion beam would have varying effects depending on the number of particles in the beam. It could range from doing little damage with a single atom passing through, to potentially causing harm with a beam in a descent accelerator. Momentum is a key factor in determining the impact of the beam, with mass and velocity being important components. Ultimately, it would be preferable to be hit by a slower moving object such as a golf cart rather than a faster one like a golf ball.
  • #1
lederhosen
9
0
what would happen if you were to be hit with 287 TEV Lead Ion? would you even feel anything or would it kill you? i can't wrap my head around it why i thought it up idk..
 
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  • #2
I assume you mean a 287 TeV lead ion beam, a la the Large Hadron Collider?

Well, I wouldn't recommend standing in the way of it, if you catch my drift. That much energy requires an awful lot of speed behind it.
 
  • #3
It all depends on the number of particles. One won't do anything. A beam in a descent accelerator will slice right through you. And then there are all variations in between.
 
  • #4
Presumably, the OP is asking about one atom. I think he understands fairly well what would happen if he were hit with a beam of atoms at that energy level.
 
  • #5
Momentum is the ultimate measure of whether you would want to be hit by something. Mass times Velocity.. Rather be hit by a very fast golf ball or a very slow golf cart?
 
  • #6
f03cuss said:
Momentum is the ultimate measure of whether you would want to be hit by something. Mass times Velocity.. Rather be hit by a very fast golf ball or a very slow golf cart?

1] There are other factors. Conceivably a single atom might pass right through, taking all of its momentum with it, thus doing little damage.

2] Which would you prefer? A hi-speed golf ball or low-speed golf cart?
 
  • #7
DaveC426913 said:
1] There are other factors. Conceivably a single atom might pass right through, taking all of its momentum with it, thus doing little damage.

2] Which would you prefer? A hi-speed golf ball or low-speed golf cart?

Haha, I'll take the golf cart as long as we're talking low, low speed :) Good point about the single atom. I guess I was just talking more in general.
 

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