Is the energy generated from matter-antimatter annihilation useful?

In summary, when matter and antimatter come into contact, they annihilate and produce either gamma rays or other particles. The question is, how do we harness the energy of these particles to move a spaceship from one point to another, or generate momentum? To answer this, one must also consider how antimatter is produced and stored, as well as the current limitations and costs associated with its use.
  • #1
anj16
38
0
I understand that when matter and antimatter come in contact with each other, they annihilate to generate either gamma rays or other particles such as pions, electrons, etc. So my question is, how do we use the gamma rays or the particles to say move a spaceship from one point to another? (?generate momentum?)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
anj16 said:
So my question is, how do we use the gamma rays or the particles to say move a spaceship from one point to another? (?generate momentum?)

Before that question is considered, I'd suggest you consider these questions:

  1. How is antimatter produced?
  2. How much antimatter has been produced by scientists up until today?
  3. How is antimatter stored?

Try to google for it, or try reading

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimatter

Check out e.g. "Preservation" and "Cost".
 
Last edited:

1. What is matter-antimatter annihilation?

Matter-antimatter annihilation is a process in which the particles of matter and antimatter come into contact and annihilate, releasing a large amount of energy in the form of gamma rays.

2. How is energy generated from matter-antimatter annihilation?

The energy from matter-antimatter annihilation is generated through the conversion of mass into energy, according to Einstein's famous equation E=mc². When matter and antimatter annihilate, their masses are converted into pure energy.

3. How much energy is released from matter-antimatter annihilation?

The amount of energy released from matter-antimatter annihilation is equivalent to the total mass of the particles involved multiplied by the speed of light squared. This results in a tremendous amount of energy, making it a highly efficient energy source.

4. Is the energy generated from matter-antimatter annihilation useful?

Yes, the energy generated from matter-antimatter annihilation is extremely useful. It has the potential to produce a vast amount of energy in a small amount of time, making it a highly efficient energy source. However, harnessing this energy is currently not feasible due to technological limitations.

5. What are the challenges in harnessing energy from matter-antimatter annihilation?

The main challenge in harnessing the energy from matter-antimatter annihilation is in creating and storing antimatter, which is extremely difficult and expensive. Additionally, controlling the reaction and converting the energy into a usable form is also a major challenge. Current technology is not advanced enough to make this process feasible for practical use.

Similar threads

  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
1
Views
12K
Replies
17
Views
9K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
6
Views
6K
  • Other Physics Topics
2
Replies
35
Views
3K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
7
Views
11K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
28
Views
2K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
2
Views
1K
Back
Top