Demolecularization using antimatter

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of using positrons for the process of demolecularization, specifically whether it is possible to generate positrons in large quantities and utilize them to separate compounds into their constituent atoms. The scope includes theoretical considerations and implications of antimatter in chemical processes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the definition of "demolecularize" and its implications for separating molecules.
  • One participant defines demolecularization as the destruction of electron bonds in a compound, returning it to its atomic state.
  • Another participant questions the clarity of the term "original atomic state" and suggests that positrons have sufficient energy to disrupt both molecular and atomic bonds, implying that using them for demolecularization may not be feasible.
  • It is noted that approximately 4 eV is required to dissociate a water molecule into hydrogen and oxygen, while creating a positron requires at least one million eV, raising questions about the practicality of the proposed method.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of using positrons for demolecularization, with no consensus reached on the practicality or implications of the concept.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the energy requirements for positron generation versus the energy needed for molecular dissociation, as well as the definitions and implications of terms used in the discussion.

barthman221
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TL;DR
Wondering if it's possible to create positrons artificially
So is it at all possible to artificially generate positrons in extremely large quantities. If so then wouldn't it be possible to shoot them in a constant stream and demolecularize anything they touch?
 
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What does "demolecularize" mean?
 
Vanadium 50 said:
What does "demolecularize" mean?
To separate molecules
 
Into what?

And seriously, if it isn't worth your time to spend m ore than three words clarifying your question, why is it worth any of our time to answer it?
 
Sorry didnt mean to be rude. Demolecularization is destroying the electron bonds in a compound sending it back to its original atomic state.
 
If were at all possible to create positrons like that, then I could shoot them at compounds like water or CO2 and separate them into their original atoms.
 
barthman221 said:
original atomic state

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".
 
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.
 
Vanadium 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 thanks
 
  • #10
Gigaz 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.
Ok thanks
 

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