Re: OT? If e=mc^2, how many ergs are in a mustard seed?

From: Rich Grise (rich_at_example.net)
Date: 11/29/04 

Date: Mon, 29 Nov 2004 21:42:06 GMT

On Mon, 29 Nov 2004 02:52:40 +0000, Kryten wrote:

> I did some calculations to compare the energy densities of fuels.
> Hydrogen, carbon, petrol, uranium, etc.
> And total conversion, for amusement.
>
> Okay, let's do the math.
>
> E=m.c^2
>
> 2.715 * 10^-6 kg * ( 299,792,458 m/s)^2
> = 2,409,808,353 Joules
>
> (24,098,083,530,000,000 ergs)
>
> Nobody mentioned the mass of the mountain or how far they want it moved.
> Horizontal movement is no increase in energy, in theory.
>
> Let's assume you want something moved all the way out of Earth's gravity
> well.
> Escape velocity is about 11200 m/s.
> Each kg needs 0.5 * (11200)^2 = 62720000 Joules.
>
> So one seed converted to energy could hurl
>
> 2,409,808,353 / 62,720,000 = 38.42 kg
>
> into space and not have it fall back.
>
> You'd need about two for a person.
>
> If you convert a whole kilo of mass to 8.987551787 * 10^16 J,
> you could hurl 1,432,964,252 kg.
>
> Or my body mass 22,566,366 times over.
>
> Alternatively you would need 21.48 megatons of TNT.

So, it could be Mt. St. Helens all over! ;-)

Thanks!
Rich

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