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Einstein's Equation:
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Einstein's famous equation E = mc² demonstrates the fundamental relationship between mass and energy, showing that mass can be converted into energy and vice versa. This principle is the foundation of nuclear energy and our understanding of the universe.
The calculator uses Einstein's equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation shows that a small amount of mass can be converted into a tremendous amount of energy due to the squared speed of light factor.
Details: This fundamental principle explains energy production in stars, nuclear power generation, and is essential for understanding particle physics and cosmology.
Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and speed of light in meters per second. The speed of light is pre-set to 300,000,000 m/s (approximately 3×10⁸ m/s) but can be adjusted for precision.
Q1: Why is the speed of light squared in the equation?
A: The squared term comes from the relativistic energy-momentum relation and reflects the tremendous energy contained within mass.
Q2: How much energy is in 1 kg of mass?
A: Approximately 9×10¹⁶ Joules, which is equivalent to the energy released by 21 megatons of TNT.
Q3: Can we convert mass completely to energy?
A: In practice, complete conversion is extremely difficult. Nuclear reactions convert only a small fraction of mass to energy (about 0.1% in nuclear fission).
Q4: Does this apply to everyday objects?
A: Yes, but the energy content is enormous compared to chemical energy. A 1 kg object contains energy equivalent to about 25 billion kWh.
Q5: How is this different from chemical energy?
A: Chemical energy involves electron transitions and represents a tiny fraction (about one billionth) of the total mass-energy content.