Asteroid Binding Energy: E=mv^2?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of binding energy, particularly in relation to asteroids, and whether the analogy of E=mv^2 can be applied in this context. Participants explore different types of binding energy, including gravitational, nuclear, and chemical, and consider the implications of these energies in scenarios involving asteroid destruction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the binding energy of an asteroid can be represented by E=mv^2, drawing parallels to the nuclear binding energy equation E=mc^2.
  • There is a discussion about the concept of mass deficit and its applicability to asteroids, with some participants suggesting that mass deficit is not relevant in this case.
  • Participants express uncertainty about the speed of the nucleus in relation to the speed of light, with one participant stating that physics cannot be done by analogy.
  • Several types of binding energy are mentioned, including gravitational, nuclear, and chemical, with a focus on gravitational binding energy in the context of asteroid destruction.
  • One participant seeks to compare the binding energy of an asteroid to the energy of a bomb to determine if it would be effective in destroying the asteroid.
  • Another participant notes that the binding energy of an asteroid contributes to its mass via E=mc^2, but considers this contribution negligible.
  • There is a mention of the kinetic energy of an asteroid and the implications of detonating it, suggesting that this action would not eliminate its kinetic energy.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability of binding energy equations to asteroids, and there is no consensus on how to approach the concept of binding energy in this context. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the effectiveness of bomb energy in destroying an asteroid.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for clarity on the type of binding energy being discussed and the limitations of analogies in physics. There are unresolved questions about the specific calculations needed to determine the binding energy of an asteroid.

Tris Fray Potter
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If the binding energy in nuclear physics is e=mc^2, then would the binding energy of a larger object be:
e=mv^2
where v=the velocity of the asteroid?
 
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In the binding energy equation the m is the mass deficit ... does the concept of mass deficit apply to the asteroid?
In the asteroid equation, v is the speed of the asteroid; in the binding energy, the speed "c" appears in the same place... does that mean that the nucleus is moving at the speed of light?
In short: no. You cannot do physics by analogy.
 
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Simon Bridge said:
In the binding energy equation the m is the mass deficit ... does the concept of mass deficit apply to the asteroid?
In the binding energy, the speed "c" appears ... does that mean that the nucleus is moving at the speed of light?
In short: no. You cannot do physics by analogy.
Okay. Thank-you. Do you know how I would be able to find the binding energy of the asteroid?
 
Tris Fray Potter said:
Okay. Thank-you. Do you know how I would be able to find the binding energy of the asteroid?

There are several types of binding energy. Which one are you looking for? Gravitational? Nuclear? Chemical?
 
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Drakkith said:
There are several types of binding energy. Which one are you looking for? Gravitational? Nuclear? Chemical?
I think gravitational. I need to know if a bomb would explode an asteroid or not, and I was going to do a comparison on the energy of the bomb (which I've already figured out), to the binding energy of the asteroid.
 
Note that the binding energy of an asteroid also contributes to its mass via E=mc2 as every energy in the rest frame does, but the contribution is completely negligible.
 
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... if the idea is to destroy the asteroid before it arrives at some target, detonating it won't remove it's kinetic energy (though distributing the bits over a big volume can reduce the amount of mass that strikes the target. Phil Plait has an artical about it.
 
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