Sub atomic powers

This friend of mine

So this friend of mine asked me last night what it would be like if we have the power to manipulate sub atomic particles; would you be a superhero or would you do research on your new profound powers.

It was an innocent question but superbly profound the more I think about it. In my opinion I would choose both. Then again, there is more to it than making a choice for nuclear research and vigilantism.

Captain Atom

The power to manipulate sub atomic particles would mean that we can manipulate matter at a macroscopic level. I can break open walls and doors to save someone locked inside. I can render guns useless by melting their mechanisms. I can make bulletproof clothes. Like Ant-Man and ATOM, I can also shrink and expand in size.

One's understanding in current postulates of quantum mechanics and atomic physics will be advantageous. With vast understanding in physics, you can manipulate your own atoms to phase through walls. If you know your periodic table, you can turn anything into gold; the hallmark of Egyptian alchemy. Like Captain Atom, you can shoot radiation energy and neutrinos. Forcing the atoms in the air around you to fuse (nuclear fusion and not fission since we are dealing with atoms lighter than iron), you will release the raw power of the universe. You can even release high intensity neutrino beams. Being blasted by neutrino beams will mean no detriment to your health though.

You can do even more good to the world by providing radiotherapy. In this case, you can perform isolated radiotherapy on  the cancer tumors in patients which would reduce risk factors and side effects on overall health.

Professor Atom

The ability to manipulate matter will be revolutionary to research all over the world. You might in fact monetize on it. Matter transmutation from one element to another would either release or absorb energy:

The graph is divided by the point that meets the peak (Iron-56, Fe). On the left of the peak, nuclear fusion of light elements will release energy while nuclear fission will require energy (energy absorption). On the right, fission produces energy and fusion absorbs energy.

On a fundamental level, researchers will be able to conduct experiments without the need for expensive experiments. In neutrino research, beta and inverse beta decay release neutrino. Beta and inverse beta decay is a nuclear process that scientists rely on for their source of neutrino. If you can produce high intensity neutrino beams, neutrino detection is greatly enhanced since neutrinos are notoriously elusive. Producing neutrino via beta and inverse decay will inevitably transmute matter into another form hence producing radioactive isotopes which can be used for industries that rely on radiation for quality control or hospitals for radiotherapy and cancer tracing. Working this concept backwards, you can render radioactive wastes impotent.

Cold fusion will become a solid reality and nuclear fusion endeavors like neutrino research will be much easier. Scientists can better understand the science of nuclear fusion without the need of painstakingly controlling a plasma confinement to provide high temperature for fusion reactions. Last but certainly not the least, places like CERN and FERMI Lab could use your abilities to study exotic particles in particle and high energy physics.

You can most certainly do good for the world with your abilities. The awe of your power is left human imagination. Human imagination however has a dark side.

The Dark Side

You will be exhausted mentally and physically to meet the demands of many people. Thousands of research could use your abilities as well as industries. The rich and manipulative will try to entice you to their bidding. Governments will take interest in you to serve their political agenda. Powerful politicians like greedy corporate CEOs will go in their way to serve their purpose in global conflicts.

Using your powers irresponsibly and carelessly can leave radiation traces and radioactive isotopes lying around. The act of converting for example iron into gold to earn money for charity will emit radiation that is detrimental and can cause cancer to people, animals and plants as well as yourself. If you accidentally convert iron into a radioactive isotope of gold without you noticing, you will create a gold nugget that spells cancer. The effects of radiation is well known. It gives cancer and genetic mutations to offspring.

So now what?

Ultimately, you want to do more good than harm. The adverse effects of your powers can go beyond one's imagination. Perhaps the best way to handle this is to keep your powers to yourself. Humanity may not be ready yet. We are still riddled with conflict and greed. Like the many superheroes in comics, good conscience will triumph over the idea of doing nothing. Perhaps one would eventually resort to vigilantism and do as much good as possible to the extent of his/her own abilities. It hurts to know that we can do so much more for the world with such a gift. It is of course a shame and a pain to bear. The price of being a superhero.