This discussion centers on the feasibility of using positrons for demolecularization, specifically to separate compounds like water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) into their constituent atoms. Demolecularization is defined as the destruction of electron bonds, reverting compounds to their atomic state. However, the energy required to create positrons is approximately one million electron volts (eV), while only 4 eV is needed to separate a water molecule into hydrogen and oxygen, making the practical application of positrons for this purpose unfeasible.
PREREQUISITESResearchers in particle physics, chemists focusing on molecular interactions, and engineers exploring innovative separation technologies will benefit from this discussion.
To separate moleculesVanadium 50 said:What does "demolecularize" mean?
barthman221 said:original atomic state
Ok thanksVanadium 50 said:Well, it's not so clear that this is "original" in any real sense, but the answer is that positrons not only have enough energy to disrupt bonds, they also have enough energy to disrupt atoms, so the answer is "no".
Ok thanksGigaz said:It takes about 4 eV to turn a water molecule into hydrogen and oxygen. To create a positron, you need at least one million eV.