Nature of e=mc^2 and other miscelaneous questions

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the energy equivalence of matter as described by Einstein's equation e=mc², specifically addressing the energy equivalent of 1 kg of matter, which is approximately 9·1016 joules. It explores the potential for a fusion reaction in Jupiter's atmosphere triggered by an explosion, such as that from the uranium onboard the Galileo orbiter. The conversation also touches on the energy required to heat hydrogen isotopes (H2 and H3) to 109 K for fission and the density variations of objects under gravitational compression and electron repulsion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Einstein's equation e=mc²
  • Knowledge of fusion reactions, specifically deuterium-tritium fusion
  • Familiarity with energy units such as joules and MeV
  • Basic concepts of gravitational compression and electron repulsion in astrophysics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the energy output of various fusion reactions, focusing on deuterium-tritium fusion
  • Study the implications of gravitational compression on stellar density
  • Examine the conditions required for nuclear fission and fusion, particularly in planetary atmospheres
  • Explore the theoretical consequences of explosive events in gas giants like Jupiter
USEFUL FOR

Astrophysicists, nuclear physicists, and students interested in the dynamics of fusion reactions and the physical properties of gas giants.

Aphex_Twin
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If you have 1 kg of matter, what is the energy equivalent of it in say joules?

How much of the matter (heavy hidrogen?) that goes into a fusion reaction is transformed to energy?


And to the point...

Last year there was this discussion about what would happened if the Galileo orbiter would crash into Jupiter. More precisely, there were some (I don't know if actual physicists) that hinted that the uranium present on board of the craft (from the reactor powering it) would explode with enough power to trigger a fusion reaction within the Jupiter lower atmosphere.

Now, theoretically speaking, is it possible for an explosion within Jupiter (or what should Jupiter be like) to create a powerful enough pressure shock front, to trigger the fusion of the hydrogen atoms in it's path, and if it's possible to create a chain reaction this way...
 
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For the last question,well i don't know,it may be pure speculation,though...For the first,approximately 9\cdot 10^{16}J,as for the second,well,look for the reaction in a book,then for the rest masses of proton (H nucleus) and the alpha particle and compute the mass defect.

Daniel.
 
What is the energy required to heat up one H2 and one H3 from a given temperature n (Kelvin), up to 10^9 K (required for fission)?

How does the density of an object bound solely by it's gravitational compression and electron repulsion vary? My guess is that it should be cubic or quadratic-like as we start moving inwards from the surface but aproaching a finite limit as we approach the center of mass. How do you put this into a relation?


So the energy output of a fusion reaction (deuterium-tritium) is 17.6 MeV
The mean density of Jupiter is 1.326 g/cm^3.
 

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