Is Energy of Gauge Bosons matched by Binding Energy?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between photon energy and atomic binding energy, asserting that when a photon leaves an atom, its energy corresponds to an increase in the atom's binding energy. It concludes that the aggregate binding energy of particles in the universe is indeed increasing over time, primarily due to hydrogen fusion into helium. The conversation dismisses the possibility of radiation decreasing binding energy in both an eternal cyclic universe and the Big Bang theory, emphasizing that while helium can be split by high-energy photons, such occurrences are exceedingly rare and negligible.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of photon energy and atomic binding energy concepts
  • Knowledge of nuclear fusion processes, specifically hydrogen to helium
  • Familiarity with the Big Bang theory and cyclic universe models
  • Basic principles of energy conservation in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanisms of hydrogen fusion in stellar environments
  • Explore the implications of energy conservation in quantum mechanics
  • Study the role of gauge bosons in particle physics
  • Investigate the cyclical models of the universe and their energy dynamics
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, astrophysicists, and students of theoretical physics interested in the interplay between energy, binding forces, and cosmic evolution.

kmarinas86
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Everytime a photon leaves an atom, the energy of that photon is matched by the increase in binding energy of that atom - right? If so would the change of energy in the form of radiation be equivalent to the change of binding energy?

Is the aggregate binding energy of particles in the universe increasing with time?

It is possible in an eternal cyclic universe for radiation to come back and decrease the binding energy particles, replenshing light elements such as hydrogen?

Is it possible in the Big Bang theory?
 
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kmarinas86 said:
Everytime a photon leaves an atom, the energy of that photon is matched by the increase in binding energy of that atom - right?
Overall energy is conserved, yes.
(I'm assuming we use the rest frame of the atom and neglect recoil.)
kmarinas86 said:
Is the aggregate binding energy of particles in the universe increasing with time?
The most common nuclear reaction is the fusion of hydrogen to helium. Therefore: Yes.
kmarinas86 said:
It is possible in an eternal cyclic universe for radiation to come back and decrease the binding energy particles, replenshing light elements such as hydrogen?
No.
kmarinas86 said:
Is it possible in the Big Bang theory?
No.

While you can split helium with photons of sufficient energy the process is so rare that it is completely negligible.
 

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