Can We Turn the Universe Into Photons?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the theoretical possibility of converting the entire universe into photons and gravitons, questioning the implications for conservation of charge. It concludes that while conservation of charge is not a significant concern due to the universe's neutrality, there is currently no known mechanism to convert all matter into energy. The only established process for complete energy conversion is through matter-antimatter annihilation, which is limited by the scarcity of antimatter. Additionally, the conversation touches on the production of antimatter at Fermilab through proton collisions and explores the potential of nuclear reactions to generate light.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of conservation laws in physics, particularly conservation of charge.
  • Knowledge of matter-antimatter interactions and their energy implications.
  • Familiarity with nuclear reactions and their role in energy production.
  • Basic principles of particle physics, including proton collisions and antimatter generation.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanisms of matter-antimatter annihilation and its energy output.
  • Explore the methods of antimatter production at facilities like Fermilab.
  • Investigate the role of nuclear reactors in energy generation and potential applications for antimatter production.
  • Study the implications of conservation laws in high-energy physics experiments.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physicists, researchers in particle physics, and anyone interested in the theoretical aspects of energy conversion and antimatter production.

cragar
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This is probably a dumb question , but is it possible to turn all of the universe into photons and gravitons . would conservation of charge still hold , and if not could we turn a lot of the universe into photons .
 
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Conservation of charge is probably not a problem, since the universe is essentially neutral. However there is no obvious mechanism to convert all matter into energy. The only known reaction leading to all energy is matter-antimatter, and there doesn't seem to be enough antimatter around to do it.
 
would nuclear reactions convert some into light ,
how do they make anit-matter at fermi lab , they collide protons and get antimatter
out , could we make antimatter , getting the energy from nuclear reactors or something . is it possible to have the universe half matter and half anti-matter .
 

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