Ok really dumb hypothetical nearly impossible question

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter lederhosen
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Hypothetical Impossible
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the hypothetical scenario of being hit by a 287 TeV lead ion, exploring the implications of such an event in terms of physical effects, energy, and momentum. The scope includes conceptual reasoning and speculative analysis rather than established facts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that a 287 TeV lead ion beam, akin to those used in the Large Hadron Collider, would be extremely dangerous, implying severe consequences for anyone in its path.
  • Another participant notes that the effect of being hit depends on the number of particles involved, indicating that a single particle would have minimal impact, while a beam could cause significant damage.
  • There is a clarification that the original question likely pertains to the impact of a single atom rather than a beam, suggesting a nuanced understanding of the scenario.
  • Momentum is discussed as a critical factor in determining the outcome of such an impact, with a comparison made between the effects of being hit by a fast-moving object versus a slow-moving one.
  • Some participants propose that a single atom might pass through without causing damage, depending on its momentum, while others engage in a light-hearted analogy comparing the impact of a golf ball and a golf cart.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the implications of being hit by a 287 TeV lead ion, with no consensus reached on the specific outcomes or effects. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact nature of the impact.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the assumptions regarding the number of particles, the nature of the impact, or the definitions of momentum and energy in this context.

lederhosen
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
what would happen if you were to be hit with 287 TEV Lead Ion? would you even feel anything or would it kill you? i can't wrap my head around it why i thought it up idk..
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I assume you mean a 287 TeV lead ion beam, a la the Large Hadron Collider?

Well, I wouldn't recommend standing in the way of it, if you catch my drift. That much energy requires an awful lot of speed behind it.
 
It all depends on the number of particles. One won't do anything. A beam in a descent accelerator will slice right through you. And then there are all variations in between.
 
Presumably, the OP is asking about one atom. I think he understands fairly well what would happen if he were hit with a beam of atoms at that energy level.
 
Momentum is the ultimate measure of whether you would want to be hit by something. Mass times Velocity.. Rather be hit by a very fast golf ball or a very slow golf cart?
 
f03cuss said:
Momentum is the ultimate measure of whether you would want to be hit by something. Mass times Velocity.. Rather be hit by a very fast golf ball or a very slow golf cart?

1] There are other factors. Conceivably a single atom might pass right through, taking all of its momentum with it, thus doing little damage.

2] Which would you prefer? A hi-speed golf ball or low-speed golf cart?
 
DaveC426913 said:
1] There are other factors. Conceivably a single atom might pass right through, taking all of its momentum with it, thus doing little damage.

2] Which would you prefer? A hi-speed golf ball or low-speed golf cart?

Haha, I'll take the golf cart as long as we're talking low, low speed :) Good point about the single atom. I guess I was just talking more in general.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad What would a hypothetical quark-quark collision yield?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
High School Why is it impossible to go faster than the speed of light?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
5K
Are space fighters really impossible in realistic Sci Fi?
  • · Replies 112 ·
4
Replies
112
Views
23K
Undergrad Magnetic field as result of length contraction
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
5K
Graduate Multiverse theory with impossible universes?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Graduate LHC to achieve design energy in 2012/2013?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
High School Forces inside a moving elevator
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Graduate Faster than light relative speeds (I know it's impossible)
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
7K
Studying Advice for succeeding in graduate school?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Graduate Two quick/dumb questions regarding thermodynamics
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K