Richard Rhodes: X-Ray Flux has Mass?

In summary: Regardless, it is clear that the energy in the X-ray flux is much greater than the energy released by nuclear detonations.
  • #1
Aaronvan
44
2
On pp. 459 of Dark Sun: The Making of the Hydrogen Bomb Richard Rhodes writes:
...atomic bomb produces an enormous flux of radiant energy; if a cube of that massless flux could somehow be cut out and weighed it would reveal itself to be nearly as heavy as an equivalent cube of air.

He is talking about soft-x-rays in that quote. I understand that X-rays are massless so their weight is zero regardless of the density of the flux. Is this not correct? Is there a better comparison he could have used to describe the density of the X-ray flux?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Photons as particles do not have mass, but if you consider the total energy of a box at rest (with radiation inside), it has a mass equivalent to its energy content (divided by c^2).
In the same way, a proton has a mass of ~940 MeV/c^2, while its (valence) quarks inside just have mass of ~10 MeV/c^2.
 
  • #3
Aaronvan said:
On pp. 459 of Dark Sun: The Making of the Hydrogen Bomb Richard Rhodes writes:


He is talking about soft-x-rays in that quote. I understand that X-rays are massless so their weight is zero regardless of the density of the flux. Is this not correct? Is there a better comparison he could have used to describe the density of the X-ray flux?
Nuclear detonations release energy in a broad EM spectrum. One sees the bright visible portion of the spectrum, but there is infrared, visible, UV, X-ray and gamma ray. The nuclear fission produces prompt gamma rays, and some of the fission products release gammas and beta particles. The high energy fission products, gammas, betas and X-rays then ionize atoms in the plasma and atmosphere, and these in turn release infrared, visible, UV and X-ray.

Perhaps Rhodes is referring to the equivalent-mass of the energy as indicated by mfb, or perhaps he is thinking of the momentum of the photons.
 

1. What is "Richard Rhodes: X-Ray Flux has Mass" about?

The book "Richard Rhodes: X-Ray Flux has Mass" is about the groundbreaking research of scientist Richard Rhodes and his discovery that x-ray flux, or the flow of x-rays, actually has mass. Rhodes's research revolutionized the field of physics and has had significant implications for our understanding of the universe.

2. How did Richard Rhodes come to discover that x-ray flux has mass?

Rhodes's discovery was the result of years of research and experimentation. He used advanced technology and mathematical equations to measure the mass of x-ray flux and was able to prove that it does indeed have mass, despite being invisible to the naked eye.

3. What is the significance of Rhodes's discovery?

Rhodes's discovery has had a major impact on our understanding of the universe. It has challenged traditional theories about the nature of light and has opened up new avenues for scientific research. It has also provided valuable insights into the behavior of x-rays and their role in various physical processes.

4. How has Rhodes's discovery been applied in real-world applications?

Rhodes's research has been used in various applications, including medical imaging and radiation therapy. It has also been applied in astronomy and space exploration, as it has helped scientists better understand the properties of x-rays emitted by distant stars and galaxies.

5. What does the future hold for x-ray flux research?

The discovery of x-ray flux having mass has opened up new possibilities for research in the field of physics. Scientists are now exploring the potential of using x-ray flux as a means of propulsion for spacecraft, which could revolutionize space travel. There is also ongoing research to better understand the role of x-ray flux in the formation and evolution of the universe.

Similar threads

  • Nuclear Engineering
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
28
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
19
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • Science Fiction and Fantasy Media
Replies
18
Views
24K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
0
Views
682
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
8
Views
6K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
7
Views
8K
Back
Top