Once to light never back again

  • Thread starter Thread starter WCOLtd
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Light
AI Thread Summary
Atomic bombs can convert mass into light, but the reverse process of turning light back into mass is not commonly observed in nature. Heavy elements like gold and uranium, which exceed iron in atomic weight, require energy for their creation and are primarily formed through stellar explosions. The discussion highlights that while elements heavier than iron are found in nature, their formation is linked to processes like supernovae rather than direct conversion from light. The conversation touches on the complexities of mass-energy conversion and the natural processes that lead to the existence of heavy elements. Overall, the transformation of light into mass is not a typical occurrence in the universe.
WCOLtd
Messages
108
Reaction score
1
I am no theoretical physicist, so please don't be too bothered by my lack of understanding.

I assume that things like atomic bombs can turn mass to light. But I have never heard of anything that can turn light back into mass. Does that happen in nature? Or is everything slowly turning into light as time progresses?
 
Science news on Phys.org
Look up "http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/particles/lepton.html" ".

In many facilities, this is how antimatter such as positron is produced.

Zz.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Any element that is heavier that iron needs energy to be created (thus natural decay and radioactivity, which happen mostly with atoms heavier than iron, + isotopes of anything).

Yet, tons of elements heavier than iron are found in nature (gold, lead, uranium etc.)

These heavy elements, which are heavier than their separate constituents, were created naturally, by exploding stars.
 
Back
Top