1. What is Mass-Energy Equivalence?

The mass-energy equivalence principle states that mass can be converted into energy and vice versa, as expressed by Einstein's famous equation E=mc². This fundamental concept in physics underlies nuclear reactions and particle physics.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses Einstein's mass-energy equivalence equation:

Where:

• \( E \) — Energy (Joules)
• \( m \) — Mass (kilograms)
• \( c \) — Speed of light (299,792,458 m/s)

Explanation: The equation shows that a small amount of mass can be converted into a tremendous amount of energy due to the large value of c².

3. Importance of E=mc²

Details: This equation revolutionized physics by showing that mass and energy are interchangeable. It explains the energy source of nuclear power and stars, and is fundamental to particle physics.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms (must be > 0). The result shows the equivalent energy in joules according to Einstein's equation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is c squared in the equation?
A: The c² term comes from the relativistic relationship between space and time in Einstein's theory of special relativity.

Q2: How much energy is in 1 kg of mass?
A: Approximately 89,875,517,873,681,764 joules (about 90 petajoules), equivalent to 21.5 megatons of TNT.

Q3: Can we convert all mass to energy?
A: In practice, only a small fraction of mass is converted to energy in nuclear reactions (about 0.1% in nuclear fission).

Q4: Does this apply to everyday objects?
A: Yes, but the energy equivalent is enormous compared to chemical energy, so we don't notice it in daily life.

Q5: How is this different from kinetic energy?
A: E=mc² represents rest energy - the energy inherent to mass itself, not from motion.