Matter?

[crazy legs]

If it is always being created and destroyed, and the rates are balanced, what is created when a Nuke goes off?thanks.

[jake-the-peg]

In the first case we are talking about virtual particles which can pop in and out of existance as long as they don't overstay their welcome.

In the second case a nuclear explosion is where matter is directly converted into energy.

Think of matter and energy as interchangable Energy can become matter and vice versa at the exchange rate of E=mc�

[freddie_jay2]

When a nuclear bomb goes off the atom is split. Using einstiens equation E=mc� you are decreasing the atoms mass and therefore increasing the energy (ALOT of energy!)