Can Matter-Antimatter Annihilation Yield High Energy Output per Gram?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the energy output achievable through matter-antimatter annihilation, specifically referencing Einstein's equation E=mc². By applying this formula, it is established that one gram of matter can yield approximately 9 x 1013 Joules of energy. The conversation highlights the distinction between energy (measured in Joules) and power (measured in Watts), emphasizing that the annihilation process can release energy at various power levels. The discussion also notes that hydrogen and its antimatter equivalent, anti-hydrogen, are key components in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Einstein's equation E=mc²
  • Familiarity with SI units, specifically Joules and Watts
  • Basic knowledge of matter-antimatter interactions
  • Awareness of current research on antimatter, particularly anti-hydrogen
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the practical applications of matter-antimatter annihilation in energy production
  • Explore the current state of anti-hydrogen production and storage techniques
  • Investigate the implications of energy release rates in annihilation reactions
  • Learn about advancements in particle physics related to antimatter research
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, energy researchers, and anyone interested in the theoretical and practical aspects of matter-antimatter annihilation and its potential for high energy output.

Dembara
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I am just curious on this one, if you could efficiently turn matter into energy (the whole e=mc2 thing) how much energy could you get per gram?
 
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Dembara said:
I am just curious on this one, if you could efficiently turn matter into energy (the whole e=mc2 thing) how much energy could you get per gram?
In a coherent system of units such as SI, you simply apply the formula. For instance, energy (in Joules) is equal to mass (in kilograms) times the square of the speed of light (in meters per second). One gram is 0.001 kg. The speed of light is 300,000,000 meters per second.

Or, you could do it the easy way. http://www.google.com "how much energy is in a gram of matter"
 
Note that Watts is a measure of power, not energy. This is a common mistake. In SI, energy is measured in Joules, and a watt is 1 Joule/second. Thus, if the large amount of energy in 1 gram of matter is released slowly enough, the power level in Watts can be arbitrarily small.
 
The only way to do that is matter/antimatter annihilation.
Best to start with Hydrogen and it's antimatter equivalent.
A gram of anti-Hydrogen is about all there is available in total, in of all the world's highest tech research places at present.
 

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