Energy into matter conversion possible?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of converting energy into matter, exploring theoretical and experimental aspects related to Einstein's equation E=mc². Participants examine scenarios such as pair production and the conditions under which energy can transform into matter, particularly in extreme environments like the early universe and particle colliders.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that while matter can be converted into energy, the reverse process of converting pure energy into matter is theoretically possible, though it seems counterintuitive.
  • One participant mentions that two massless photons can collide and create massive particles, such as an electron and a positron, illustrating a method of energy-to-matter conversion.
  • Another participant notes that during the early stages of the big bang, energy transformed into matter under extreme conditions, but this is not a process that can be easily replicated outside such environments.
  • It is highlighted that particle colliders, like the LHC, utilize kinetic energy to create new particles, providing a practical example of energy being transformed into matter.
  • One participant references the concept of pair production as a primary interaction for high-energy photons, suggesting a specific energy threshold for this process.
  • A question is raised about the nature of electrons, with one participant inquiring whether they are concentrated high-energy photons, which is subsequently clarified by another participant stating that electrons and photons are distinct particles.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the feasibility and mechanisms of energy-to-matter conversion, with some agreeing on specific processes like pair production while others question the nature of particles involved. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the broader implications and practical applications of these concepts.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge that the conversion of energy into matter is heavily dependent on extreme conditions and specific interactions, such as those found in particle colliders or during the big bang, which may not be easily achievable in typical scenarios.

Moviemann345
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With Einstein's theory, E=MC^2, we can turn matter into energy. But is there a way to take pure energy and some how turn it into matter. It seems crazy, but why not? matter into energy is just as strange... is there a method to do this?
 
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Moviemann345 said:
With Einstein's theory, E=MC^2, we can turn matter into energy. But is there a way to take pure energy and some how turn it into matter. It seems crazy, but why not? matter into energy is just as strange... is there a method to do this?

It is possible for two (massless) photons to collide and "disappear", "creating" massive particles (e.g., an electron and a positron) in the process.
 
In the early stage of the big-bang energy turned into matter, but that was under mind-boggling extremes of temperature. Apart from pair-production which George has mentioned above, it's not something that can be routinely done. Conservation of Fermion number means that an anti-particle must be created to balance the equation.
 
That's what we do in colliders, like the LHC; the kinetic energy of the particles transforms into a bunch of new particles.
 
Moviemann345 said:
Wow, so wait are electrons concentrated high energy photons?

No, they are distinct particles. Electrons are not "made of" photons, or vice versa.
 

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