English

E=mc^2, \Delta H = D(H-H)$, and the end of civilization

Physics and Society 2007-05-23 v1 Popular Physics

Abstract

100 years ago Einstein discovered E=mc2E=mc^2, the secret energy stored in ordinary mass. ΔH=D(HH)\Delta H = D(H-H) is the chemical energy released in chemical bond formation between two H atoms. The failure to recognize the enormously different energy scales in those two equations reflected in current events may start a chain reaction this very year, on the one-hundredths anniversary of Einstein's discovery, that leads to the end of civilization. Due to the confluence of a particular set of circumstances, this particular moment is more dangerous than any other in the history of nuclear weapons. Physicists have a special responsibility to do their utmost to prevent this from happening. This paper is a call to arms. A principle to underpin nuclear non-proliferation and enhance stability is advocated.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.physics/0510036,
  title  = {E=mc^2, \Delta H = D(H-H)$, and the end of civilization},
  author = {J. E. Hirsch},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:physics/0510036},
  year   = {2007}
}