Here is the scenario.
At ordinary densities, when the temperature approaches the level of twice the energy of the electron (with the appropriate Boltzmann constant factored in), collision energy is quickly converted into electron-positron pairs with a resultant cooling. If the density is sufficiently low so that the electron-positron pairs don't annihilate faster than they are formed, the temperature cannot climb beyond this point. Gradually, as more heat is added, the density of electron-positron pairs eventually reaches the saturation point, and the temperature can continue to rise.
If the density is much higher so that the positron-electron pairs don't last long, the temperature can continue to rise until the average kinetic energy is sufficient for creation of proton-antiproton pairs. Again, this presents an upper limit until the density of these is sufficient to ensure that annihilation equals production.
Finally, at much higher densities, there may be created quark-antiquark pairs which will similarly quench heating. Perhaps.
David F Mayer
Off Topic » in reply to A suggestion of mine for any theoretical physicist lurking.
It depends on the density of matter.
The whole thread (42 posts)
- A suggestion of mine for any theoretical physicist lurking.
- It depends on the density of matter.
- Is there no room for learning, differing opinions, even errors on the Space board?
- Limits
- I think maximum T is determined by the maximum number of angels that can dance on a hydrogen atom. (n/t)
- Total Codswallop
- Upper limits
- That should be 9.0 x 10^20 ergs / gram.in the derivation (n/t)