The 3 types of energy stored within every atom – Big Think

The humble atom is the fundamental building block of all normal matter.

Hydrogen, where single electrons orbit individual protons, composes ~90% of all atoms.

Quantum mechanically, electrons only occupy specific energy levels.

Atomic and molecular transitions between those levels absorbs and/or releases energy.

Energetic transitions have many causes: photon absorption, molecular collisions, atomic bond breaking/forming, etc.

Chemical energy powers most human endeavors: through coal, oil, gas, wind, hydroelectric, and solar power.

The most energy-efficient chemical reactions convert merely ~0.000001% of their mass into energy.

However, atomic nuclei offer superior options.

Containing 99.95% of an atoms mass, bonds between protons and neutrons involve significantly greater energies.

Nuclear fission, for example, converts ~0.09% of the fissionable mass into pure energy.

Fusing hydrogen into helium achieves even greater efficiencies.

For every four protons that fuse into helium-4, ~0.7% of the initial mass is converted into energy.

Nuclear power universally outstrips electron transitions for energy efficiency.

Still, the atoms greatest source of energy is rest mass, extractable via Einsteins E = mc2.

Matter-antimatter annihilation is 100% efficient, converting mass completely into energy.

Practically unlimited energy is locked within every atom; the key is to safely and reliably extract it.

Mostly Mute Monday tells an astronomical story in images, visuals, and no more than 200 words. Talk less; smile more.

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The 3 types of energy stored within every atom - Big Think