The Amaterasu Particle: Can a Single Subatomic Particle Match a Falling Brick? A Level Physics notes

The Amaterasu Particle: Can a Single Subatomic Particle Match a Falling Brick?

In 2021, scientists identified Amaterasu, the second most energetic cosmic ray particle ever detected on Earth. A newspaper article made a startling claim: the energy of this single tiny particle is equivalent to dropping a heavy brick from waist height.

Is this scientific fact or just media hyperbole?

The Given Data:

• Energy of Amaterasu: 2.4×1020 eV
• Mass of Brick (m): 2.8 kg
• Waist Height (h): 1.1 m

Step 1: Converting Particle Energy to Joules

In physics, we usually measure particle energy in electron-volts (eV). However, to compare it to everyday objects, we need to convert it to Joules (J).

Conversion factor: 1 eV=1.6×10−19 J

Eparticle = (2.4×1020) × (1.6×10−19) J Eparticle = 38.4 Joules

---

Step 2: Calculating the Energy of the Falling Brick

When you hold a brick at waist height, it has Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE). The formula is:

Ep=mgh

Using g=9.81 m/s2 (acceleration due to gravity):

Ep = 2.8 kg × 9.81 m/s2 × 1.1 m Ep ≈ 30.2 Joules

Conclusion: Was the Newspaper Correct?

The energy of the Amaterasu particle is 38.4 J, while the dropping brick produces 30.2 J. In the world of high-energy physics, these numbers are incredibly close (within the same "order of magnitude").

Verdict: The newspaper article was CORRECT. A single subatomic particle actually carries slightly MORE energy than a falling 2.8kg brick!