How is mass converted and released as energy?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the conversion of mass to energy in nuclear reactions, specifically addressing the concept of mass defect and the fundamental nature of such transformations. Participants explore theoretical implications and the philosophical aspects of "how" questions in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how the mass defect from a nuclear reaction is created.
  • Another suggests that more complex systems emit photons and lose mass, becoming simpler in the process.
  • Some participants assert that physics cannot fundamentally answer "how" questions, proposing that mass is merely a type of energy that can be converted into other forms.
  • A participant reflects on the distinction between "how" and "is," suggesting that "how" implies a deeper explanation while "is" pertains to bookkeeping, indicating a philosophical perspective on the nature of these questions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the nature of "how" questions in physics, with some participants agreeing that such questions are difficult to answer fundamentally, while others engage in a more nuanced discussion about the implications of these distinctions.

Contextual Notes

Participants express differing views on the epistemological versus ontological nature of "how" and "is" questions, indicating potential limitations in their understanding of the underlying principles of mass-energy conversion.

Polaris417
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How is the mass defect from a nuclear reaction created?
Thanks for the help :)
 
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Something relatively more complex emits photons and becomes relatively simpler / loses mass in the process.
 
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.
 
mfb - good reminder, thanks.
 
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
 
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.
 

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