Nenad
- 698
- 0
if a bond is not a force, what is it?
The discussion centers around the theoretical possibility of converting light into matter, exploring the implications and challenges of such a process. Participants consider various aspects, including energy requirements, atomic structure, and the feasibility of creating matter from energy, while also touching on related concepts like atomic explosions and the nature of atoms.
Participants express a range of views, with no consensus on the feasibility of converting light into matter. While some acknowledge the theoretical possibility, others emphasize the significant challenges and energy requirements involved, leading to an unresolved discussion.
The discussion highlights limitations in current understanding of energy-matter conversion and the assumptions underlying various claims about atomic structure and energy sources. There are unresolved questions regarding the nature of mass and energy in the context of atomic reactions.
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. .