1. What is Mass Energy Equivalence?

Mass Energy Equivalence is a fundamental concept in physics proposed by Albert Einstein, stating that mass and energy are interchangeable. The famous equation E = mc² shows that energy (E) equals mass (m) multiplied by the speed of light (c) squared.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Mass Energy Equivalence equation:

Where:

• \( E \) — Energy (Joules)
• \( m \) — Mass (kilograms)
• \( c \) — Speed of light (3 × 10⁸ m/s)

Explanation: This equation demonstrates that even a small amount of mass contains an enormous amount of energy due to the large value of the speed of light squared.

3. Importance of Mass Energy Calculation

Details: Understanding mass-energy equivalence is crucial for nuclear physics, particle physics, and cosmology. It explains energy production in stars, nuclear reactions, and forms the basis for nuclear power and weapons.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms. The value must be valid (mass > 0). The calculator uses the standard speed of light value of 3 × 10⁸ m/s.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Who discovered mass-energy equivalence?
A: Albert Einstein first proposed the concept in his 1905 paper on special relativity.

Q2: What are practical applications of E = mc²?
A: Nuclear power generation, medical radiation therapy, radiometric dating, and understanding stellar energy production.

Q3: Why is the speed of light squared in the equation?
A: The squared term comes from the mathematical derivation in special relativity and gives the equation its enormous scaling factor.

Q4: Can we convert energy back to mass?
A: Yes, this occurs in particle accelerators where high-energy collisions can create new particles from energy.

Q5: 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.