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if a bond is not a force, what is it?
The discussion centers on the theoretical possibility of converting light into matter, specifically focusing on the creation of electron-positron pairs from photons with energy greater than 1.022 MeV, which are gamma rays. Participants highlight the immense energy required for such a conversion, referencing atomic explosions as examples of mass-energy conversion, where only a tiny fraction of mass is transformed into energy. The consensus is that while the concept is intriguing, the practical implementation of converting light to matter remains far from feasible with current technology and understanding.
PREREQUISITESPhysicists, researchers in particle physics, and anyone interested in the theoretical aspects of energy conversion and material science.
chroot said:A 'bond' is a condition in which two particles are energetically bound together. That's about all you can say.
The reason it's not a force is simple: forces accelerate things. If you have two stationary hydrogen atoms bound together, neither is moving -- so the net force on both must be zero.
- Warren
I would like to expand on this slightly. A bond is a state of stable equilibrium. For example, if you take a molecule of two atoms, and move those atoms a little closer or a little further away, a force would appear which would strive to return the molecule to its original state. The state of equilibrium involves a form of internal energy we call "binding energy" or "bond energy", and this energy contributes to the mass of the system.chroot said:A 'bond' is a condition in which two particles are energetically bound together. That's about all you can say.
The reason it's not a force is simple: forces accelerate things. If you have two stationary hydrogen atoms bound together, neither is moving -- so the net force on both must be zero.
- Warren
A state of equllibrium is just a state - a certain configuration that the system can achieve. It is not an actual physical entity like a particle or similar. So no, the equillibrium itself does not have mass. The mass contribution comes from the energy that is associated with that configuration of the system.alpha_wolf said:The state of equilibrium involves a form of internal energy we call "binding energy" or "bond energy", and this energy contributes to the mass of the system.
Dual Op Amp said:Well, I completely forgot I posted this, so that's why I haven't posted back.
I was thinking maybe if more energy were to collide at the same time, that it might create a proton and an anti-proton. .