Can Matter Be Converted to Energy Without Extreme Heat?

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The discussion centers on the conversion of matter into energy as presented in "The Physics of Star Trek" by Lawrence Krauss, which states that achieving this requires heating matter to 1000 billion degrees. The conversation explores whether such extreme temperatures would be necessary for crew members to be converted into energy, as depicted in the show. It also raises the question of alternative methods for matter-energy conversion, highlighting current nuclear fission and potential future fusion technologies. Additionally, the discussion notes that while fusion, which powers the sun, operates at millions of degrees, it does not reach the billion-degree threshold suggested for matter conversion. The concept of matter-antimatter reactions, which theoretically convert 100% of matter into energy, is also mentioned as a more efficient method in the context of Star Trek.
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In the excellent book entitled, “The Physics of Star Trek” by Lawerence Krauss, states that in order to convert matter into energy, one must heat it up to 1000 billion degrees!


1) If we were to accept the premise of the show, would heating the crew members up to 1000 billion degrees be necessary in order to convert them into energy?


2) Is there another way to theorically convert matter into energy without heating it up to such high temperatures?
 
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Nuclear reactors (fission now and fusion in the future?) convert matter into energy. Matter-antimatter reaction (used in Star Trek) converts 100% of matter into energy.

Fusion powers the sun and its interior temperature is in the millions, not billions.
 

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