Energy <-> Mass conversion and visible light

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the theoretical conversion of energy into mass and the implications for photon emissions in the visible spectrum. Participants explore concepts related to mass-energy equivalence, particularly in the context of nuclear processes like fusion and fission, and the conditions under which light is emitted during these transformations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the duration of visible light emissions resulting from converting a specific amount of energy into mass, specifically 6×1024 kg.
  • Another participant expresses confusion over the original question's clarity and emphasizes the need for a clearer formulation.
  • A participant attempts to restate the question, linking mass and energy through the equation E=MC2 and seeks to understand the duration of photon emissions during this conversion.
  • One participant points out a potential misunderstanding between power and energy, suggesting that the time duration would depend on the process used for conversion.
  • Another participant questions the emission of photons during the conversion from energy to mass, indicating a need for clarity on the relationship between photons and matter in this context.
  • A participant draws parallels between mass-energy conversion in nuclear fission and fusion, referencing observable light during these processes and questioning the possibility of energy conversion independent of preexisting mass.
  • Another participant clarifies that fusion does not involve converting energy into mass but rather involves reactions that result in a mass deficit, releasing binding energy as light or other forms of energy.
  • A participant seeks confirmation on whether the energy in the mass-energy equivalence equation is dependent on preexisting mass.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between energy, mass, and photon emissions, with some clarifying concepts while others remain uncertain about the implications of these processes. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the original question or the nature of photon emissions during energy-to-mass conversion.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge various dependencies and assumptions related to the processes of fusion and fission, as well as the definitions of energy and mass in the context of the discussion. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of mass-energy equivalence without resolving the complexities involved.

nevenante
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Energy <---> Mass conversion and visible light

We are all familiar with the following concept:
E = MC2​

and

M = E / C2​

My question goes as follows, theoretically speaking, if at my disposal is adequate amount of energy to convert that energy into a mass of 6×1024 KG, what is the length in time that visible(to the human eye) light will be generating?
 
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nevenante said:
My question goes as follows, theoretically speaking, if at my disposal is adequate amount of energy to convert that energy into a mass of 6×1024 KG, what is the length in time that visible(to the human eye) light will be generating?

This doesn't make any sense, even in grammatical structure, so I have no clue what you're talking about. I have 6e24*c^2 Joules of energy, okay, what do you want to know about it?
 


Hi Nabeshin,
yes, I am grammatically challenged, but very curious and interested in nuclear physics, but my knowledge of it, in comparison to the maturity of a human, is like a baby crawling around in diapers :-) and I also very much appreciate your time in the attempt to answer the question.
Lets see if I can restate the question:
What would be the length of time that visible(to the human eye) light would be emitting from the process of converting appropriate amount of Joules energy into a body of mass of 6.0×(10 to the 24th power) KG ?
In other words, since... Mass[6.0e+24 kg] = Energy[5.373e+41 Joules] / (300,000 [Km per sec] ^2), is there a way to calculate the duration of photon emissions in the visible spectrum frequencies while converting energy into a mass of 6.0e+24 Kg.
I hope this makes a little more sense. I am sure that there are other dependencies in this process that I am, as of now, ignorant of :-).
 


nevenante said:
In other words, since... Mass[6.0e+24 kg] = Energy[5.373e+41 Joules] / (300,000 [Km per sec] ^2), is there a way to calculate the duration of photon emissions in the visible spectrum frequencies while converting energy into a mass of 6.0e+24 Kg.

You seem to be confusing power and energy. The time would depend on which process you used to convert the mass to energy.
Your question is equivalent to asking: I have a battery with a capacity of 1000J, how long will it last?
The answer will depend on how you are using the battery.
 


nevenante said:
In other words, since... Mass[6.0e+24 kg] = Energy[5.373e+41 Joules] / (300,000 [Km per sec] ^2), is there a way to calculate the duration of photon emissions in the visible spectrum frequencies while converting energy into a mass of 6.0e+24 Kg.

If we are going from energy -> matter, then it seems to me we are essentially going from photons -> matter. So why would photons be emitted during the process?
 


lets see if I can fine tune my visualization...
Going from Mass to Energy E=MC^2, fission, light is noticed by the observer, thinking of an atomic bomb explosion. Then, reversing the process, M=E/C^2 going from Energy to Mass, fusion, light is also noticed by the observer. Thinking about the process going on in the Sun. what is going on in the Sun is dependent on preexisting mass, the hydrogen atom. Is it possible to theoretically apply a source of energy independent of preexisting mass?
 


nevenante said:
Then, reversing the process, M=E/C^2 going from Energy to Mass, fusion, light is also noticed by the observer.

That's not what happens. Fusion is not conversion of energy into mass. Fusion and fission both operate on the principle that you take some atoms, perform some reaction, and the resultant atoms have less mass than the starting atoms, the difference in mass expressed as the binding energy of the atoms. This binding energy is released as energy (in particles, or in gamma radiation [light]).
 


Thanks for the clarification on Fusion vs. Fission. Let me see if I understood you correctly... the Energy in E of the M=E/C^2 equation is dependent on preexisting Mass?
 

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