How is mass converted and released as energy?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Polaris417
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Energy Mass
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the conversion of mass to energy during nuclear reactions, specifically highlighting that mass is fundamentally a form of energy. Participants emphasize that while physics can describe the processes involved, it cannot definitively answer "how" these transformations occur on a fundamental level. The conversation also touches on the nature of questions in physics, distinguishing between epistemological and ontological inquiries. Fusion is noted as a significant type of nuclear reaction relevant to this topic.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear reactions, specifically fusion and fission.
  • Familiarity with the concept of mass-energy equivalence as described by Einstein's equation E=mc².
  • Basic knowledge of photons and their role in energy emission.
  • Awareness of philosophical distinctions between "how" and "why" questions in scientific discourse.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of nuclear fusion and its applications in energy production.
  • Study the implications of mass-energy equivalence in modern physics.
  • Explore the role of photons in energy transfer and emission during nuclear reactions.
  • Investigate the philosophical aspects of scientific questioning, focusing on epistemology and ontology.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of nuclear physics, energy researchers, and anyone interested in the philosophical implications of scientific inquiry.

Polaris417
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
How is the mass defect from a nuclear reaction created?
Thanks for the help :)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 

Similar threads

High School Is Comparing Binding Energy and Mass to Kinetic and Potential Energy Valid?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
High School The relationship between mass, light and energy
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
2K
High School Released Energy: Is my understanding correct?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Energy released calculation using Binding energy and mass defect
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad What kind of energy is released in a nuclear fusion reaction?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
High School Energy production that converts Hydrogen to Iron?
  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
10K
High School How energy is released during nuclear fission?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
High School Difference between binding and bonding energy
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
6K
High School Mass Defect: Is my understanding correct?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
High School Mechanism for Energy Released via the Strong Force in Fusion
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K