How Can Energy Be Turned Into Matter?

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    E=mc2
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of converting energy into matter, exploring theoretical and practical aspects of this transformation. Participants reference foundational equations in physics and discuss specific processes like nuclear fusion and particle-antiparticle pair production.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express a basic understanding of the relationship between energy and mass, suggesting that energy can be converted into mass and vice versa.
  • One participant proposes that mass can be viewed as a manifestation of energy, indicating a conceptual approach to understanding the equation E=mc².
  • Several participants inquire about the mechanisms by which energy can be transformed into matter, specifically mentioning processes like nuclear fusion and the creation of particle-antiparticle pairs from high-energy photons.
  • There is mention of the complexities involved in these processes, particularly in the context of supernovae and the conditions required for fusion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the fundamental relationship between energy and mass, but there are multiple competing views regarding the specific processes and conditions under which energy can be converted into matter. The discussion remains unresolved with respect to the details of these processes.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about the processes involved in energy-to-matter conversion are presented without detailed explanations or definitions, leaving certain assumptions and complexities unaddressed.

Valo130
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I think i have understood this equation ( don`t be to hard on me, only 15 and have just started to read physics ).

As i understand it says the following :

Energy can be turned into mass, and mass can be turned into energy.
It also says how much energy you get if you turn mass into energy.

Is this right?
 
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Valo130 said:
I think i have understood this equation ( don`t be to hard on me, only 15 and have just started to read physics ).

As i understand it says the following :

Energy can be turned into mass, and mass can be turned into energy.
It also says how much energy you get if you turn mass into energy.

Is this right?


Essentially yes, but it might be better to think of it as saying that mass *is* energy - that is, mass is one manifestation of energy, just like heat or light, and can in principle be turned into other types of energy.

This is clearer if we define c=1 (yes, we can do that!), leaving simply E = m.
 


I understand how you can do matter into energi, when it meets anti-matter and... explodes.
But how do you do energy into matter?
 


Valo130 said:
I understand how you can do matter into energi, when it meets anti-matter and... explodes.
But how do you do energy into matter?

One example is nuclear fusion when creating elements heavier than iron. I'm not sure of the precise process (no doubt it is very complicated) but basically two lighter atom smash into each other at immense energies and fuse together, putting some of the energy into mass. This process only occurs in supernova.
 


Valo130 said:
I understand how you can do matter into energi, when it meets anti-matter and... explodes.
But how do you do energy into matter?
A photon above a certain energy threshold can create an electron-positron pair when it collides with something.
 

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