Turning Energy into Matter: Practicality Explored

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the practicality of converting energy into matter, referencing the fundamental equation E=mc². It highlights that while energy can be converted into matter at a quantum level, such as when an atom absorbs a photon, creating new matter particles from energy on a macroscopic scale remains impractical due to the immense energy requirements, estimated at 25,000,000 kWh for just one gram of matter. The conversation also touches on the abundance of matter on Earth and questions the necessity of producing new particles, suggesting that understanding energy-matter conversion is more about theoretical exploration than practical application.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Einstein's equation E=mc²
  • Basic knowledge of quantum physics and particle interactions
  • Familiarity with energy conservation principles
  • Awareness of current research in particle physics, particularly at institutions like SLAC
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of E=mc² in modern physics
  • Explore the Stanford experiment on energy-to-matter conversion
  • Investigate the concept of relativistic mass and its applications
  • Learn about energy storage technologies that could utilize mass-energy conversion
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Physicists, students of quantum mechanics, energy researchers, and anyone interested in the theoretical aspects of energy-matter conversion and its implications for future technologies.

wolram
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If you're thinking along the line of a Star Trek 'replicator', I doubt very much that there will ever be enough economical energy available to create matter on a macroscopic scale, let alone manipulate it into a useful form.
Run it through your 'e=mc^2' in reverse, and you'll see what's involved. You need something like 25,000,000 kWh (after efficiency losses) to create one gram of matter.
 
wolram said:
Will it ever be (practical) to turn energy into matter? this site is the only one i have found so far------
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/exp/e144/nytimes.html
Energy is converted into matter all the time. Energy quanta carry inertia. Inertia, or mass, is the measure of the quantity of matter. Every time an atom absorbs a photon, energy is "converted" into matter.

I think what you are talking about is creating new matter particles from energy particles. The purpose of this experiment at Stanford is merely to show that matter particles can be created from energy, in order to gain a better understanding of the fundamental nature of matter. There is no suggestion that it has any practical purpose.There is no shortage of matter particles on earth. Why, on earth, would we want to use precious energy resources to produce new particles?

AM
 
Then if matters is not in shortage, one could think about converting matters to energy (temporary) and then convert back this energy in "another" kind of matters...
 
Energy to Matter makes sense

15 billions years ago our universe creates great amount of masses from enormous energy to us. Now, although we are in no shortage of mass, does that mean we should drop the idea of creating masses on our own hands?

Masses are abundant but not all precious. Many wastes are produced along with large amount of heat and light. Just imagine, if we can store the energy (such as unuserable heat and light) in a "package" of mass, and then reuse or unwrap the package to gain useable energy, that will be too great.

On my personal note, the nature and essence of our destination in the world of universe is to understand the process of energy to mass and mass to energy as well. This is the universal theme hidden in darkside of the power. It is miracle.

Einstein is famous for the law "E=m*c2", however is there a equation of somewhat "M=e/(c2)" and what does that mean?
 
Your equation, M = E/(c^2) is the expression for relativistic mass. For more information see our FAQ.
 

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