Naked Science Forum
Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: John Burnap on 06/02/2011 21:30:03
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John Burnap asked the Naked Scientists:
Hi Ben!
This is John Burnap, the guy with the question about hot matter experiencing relativistic effects.
My question was: Does extremely hot matter experience any relativistic effects due to the high velocity of the individual atoms.
My idea of an answer: (assuming the matter is contained in some way) the atoms will begin to collide and fuse, making heavier elements that aren't going as fast.
So what about a black hole? What does theory predict for the average velocity (or peak velocity) of a single atom in a star or a black hole? Is it close to the speed of light?
Please get back to me if you can... I would really like to know.
Thank you!
John
What do you think?