Proton Proton Annihilation: The Energy Behind Fusion

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the energy dynamics involved in proton-proton interactions, specifically regarding the forces required for compression, the nature of annihilation, and the energy released during these processes. The scope includes theoretical considerations of fusion and particle interactions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, Karoly, questions the force needed to compress two protons and inquires about the energy released during annihilation, suggesting it could be described by E=Mp *c^2, while also considering the possibility of energy being carried away by short-lived byproducts.
  • Another participant argues that two protons cannot annihilate due to the violation of baryon number conservation.
  • Karoly reiterates the question about the force needed for compression and references a Wikipedia article on the proton-proton chain reaction for additional context.
  • A different participant emphasizes that the discussion should focus on energy rather than force, noting that proton-proton fusion requires high temperatures and a tunneling effect to occur, and mentions that fusion reactors typically use deuterium and tritium for more efficient reactions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of proton interactions, with some asserting that annihilation is not possible while others explore the energy dynamics involved. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully addressed the assumptions regarding the conditions under which proton interactions occur, such as the necessary energy levels and the implications of baryon number conservation. There are also unresolved questions about the specifics of energy release during these interactions.

karoly kehrer
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How much force (<10kN) is needed to compress two protons into each other? When it happens, when they are annihilated, the energy of the released gamma rays E=Mp *c^2 ? or some are carried away by short-lived byproducts?

Regards Karoly
 
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Two protons cannot annihilate, that would violate baryon number conservation.
 
karoly kehrer said:
How much force (<10kN) is needed to compress two protons into each other? When it happens, when they are annihilated, the energy of the released gamma rays E=Mp *c^2 ? or some are carried away by short-lived byproducts?

Regards Karoly
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proton–proton_chain_reaction

Above will help.
 
It's a matter of Energy rather than Force in discussions about this sort of collision / fusion. This link is short and says it in a nutshell. It was originally thought that protpn proton fusion would need too high a temperature (i.e. high enough energies) for it to happen in a normal Star. There has to be a tunnelling effect for it to happen and to form deuterium (along with other products). It is a very rare occurrence, which is why man-made fusion reactors use 'ready made' deuterium and tritium, which fuse more readily.
 

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