Joshua wrote: "So, random atomic motion representing a fraction of an eV per atom is somehow supposed to be concentrated by a factor of much more than a million by some resonant phenomenon."
ABSOLUTELY POSSIBLE. You are reasoning from the physics of brute force, which is all that nuclear physicists know. The physics of resonance can achieve the extreme energy levels required with very small, but properly timed/oriented, inputs. Tesla generated electrical discharges over 130 feet long when in Colorado Springs in 1899. That represents many 10s of millions of volts when his primary coil was operating at some very small fraction of that. He had VERY crude materials to work with and very limited electrical equipment (much of which he had to build). Despite the primitive resources, he was able to generate the EXTREME voltages and currents >>>>>BECAUSE OF RESONANCE<<<<<. Ever hear of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-zczJXSxnw For most, theory is a transparent box. those inside don't know they're inside, or that there's even an outside! -Mark
