How is mass converted and released as energy?

In summary, the conversation discussed the creation of mass defect in a nuclear reaction, where a relatively complex entity emits photons and becomes simpler, resulting in the loss of mass. It was also mentioned that physics cannot answer "how" questions on a fundamental level, as mass is considered a type of energy that is converted from one form to another. The topic of fusion as a nuclear reaction was also briefly mentioned.
  • #1
Polaris417
4
0
How is the mass defect from a nuclear reaction created?
Thanks for the help :)
 
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  • #2
Something relatively more complex emits photons and becomes relatively simpler / loses mass in the process.
 
  • #3
Physics cannot answer "how" questions on a fundamental level.
Mass is "just" a type of energy. One type of energy is converted to a different one.

@Grinkle: fusion is a nuclear reaction as well.
 
  • #4
mfb - good reminder, thanks.
 
  • #5
mfb said:
Physics cannot answer "how" questions on a fundamental level.
Mass is "just" a type of energy. One type of energy is converted to a different one.

@Grinkle: fusion is a nuclear reaction as well.

Thanks you
 
  • #6
in regards to mfb's statement about "how" statements:

i thought "why" was the question to shirk away from. i think differentiating "how" from "is" is somewhat semantic. "how" connotes an explanation, whereas "is" is book keeping; so i may venture to say that "how" is epistemological whereas "is" is ontological. but i suppose one may ask "how" ad infinitum just as one can with "why", and there seems to lie the rub.
 

1. How is mass converted into energy?

The process of converting mass into energy is known as nuclear fusion or fission. In nuclear fusion, the nuclei of two atoms combine to form a larger nucleus, releasing a significant amount of energy. In nuclear fission, the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller fragments, also releasing energy.

2. What is the equation for the conversion of mass into energy?

The equation for the conversion of mass into energy is E=mc^2, where E represents energy, m represents mass, and c is the speed of light. This equation was proposed by Albert Einstein in his theory of relativity.

3. How is energy released during nuclear reactions?

During a nuclear reaction, a small portion of the mass of the particles involved is converted into energy. This energy is released in the form of electromagnetic radiation, such as gamma rays or heat. The amount of energy released depends on the mass difference between the initial and final states of the reaction.

4. What factors influence the amount of energy released during nuclear reactions?

The amount of energy released during nuclear reactions is influenced by several factors, including the masses of the initial and final particles, the type of reaction (fusion or fission), and the binding energy of the particles involved. The binding energy is the energy required to hold the nucleus together.

5. Can all mass be converted into energy?

According to Einstein's famous equation, any amount of mass can theoretically be converted into energy. However, this process is not feasible on a large scale and is only observed in extremely high-energy processes, such as nuclear reactions. The amount of energy released is also limited by the mass-energy equivalence principle.

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