Can Matter-Antimatter Annihilation Yield High Energy Output per Gram?

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    E=mc^2 Watts
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential energy output from matter-antimatter annihilation, specifically focusing on how much energy could be derived from converting one gram of matter into energy, as described by the equation E=mc². The scope includes theoretical considerations and basic calculations related to energy conversion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the energy yield per gram when matter is converted into energy using E=mc².
  • One participant provides a calculation framework using SI units, noting that energy in Joules can be calculated from mass in kilograms and the speed of light.
  • Another participant clarifies the distinction between energy and power, emphasizing that energy is measured in Joules and power in Watts, which could be very small if energy is released slowly.
  • It is suggested that matter-antimatter annihilation is the only method to achieve significant energy output from matter, with a specific mention of anti-Hydrogen as a potential source.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express curiosity and provide calculations, but there is no consensus on the practical aspects or implications of matter-antimatter annihilation. Multiple viewpoints on the calculations and concepts are presented without resolution.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the practical availability of antimatter or the feasibility of annihilation processes, which may depend on various technological and theoretical factors.

Dembara
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I am just curious on this one, if you could efficiently turn matter into energy (the whole e=mc2 thing) how much energy could you get per gram?
 
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Dembara said:
I am just curious on this one, if you could efficiently turn matter into energy (the whole e=mc2 thing) how much energy could you get per gram?
In a coherent system of units such as SI, you simply apply the formula. For instance, energy (in Joules) is equal to mass (in kilograms) times the square of the speed of light (in meters per second). One gram is 0.001 kg. The speed of light is 300,000,000 meters per second.

Or, you could do it the easy way. http://www.google.com "how much energy is in a gram of matter"
 
Note that Watts is a measure of power, not energy. This is a common mistake. In SI, energy is measured in Joules, and a watt is 1 Joule/second. Thus, if the large amount of energy in 1 gram of matter is released slowly enough, the power level in Watts can be arbitrarily small.
 
The only way to do that is matter/antimatter annihilation.
Best to start with Hydrogen and it's antimatter equivalent.
A gram of anti-Hydrogen is about all there is available in total, in of all the world's highest tech research places at present.
 

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