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Energy-Mass Equivalence Formula:
For 1 amu of hydrogen:
\[ E = 1 \times 931.494 \text{ MeV} \]
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The mass-energy equivalence principle states that mass can be converted into energy and vice versa, as described by Einstein's famous equation \( E = mc^2 \). For atomic mass units (amu), this conversion results in energy measured in MeV (mega-electron volts).
The calculator uses the mass-energy equivalence:
Where for atomic mass units (amu):
Explanation: The equation shows that 1 amu of mass is equivalent to 931.494 MeV of energy. This calculator allows you to calculate the energy equivalent for any number of amu.
Details: Understanding mass-energy equivalence is fundamental in nuclear physics, explaining phenomena like nuclear reactions, particle-antiparticle annihilation, and the energy production in stars.
Tips: Enter the mass in atomic mass units (amu). The default value is 1 amu (hydrogen atom mass). The result shows the equivalent energy in MeV.
Q1: Why is 1 amu equal to 931.494 MeV?
A: This comes from Einstein's equation using the precise values of atomic mass unit and the speed of light.
Q2: Does this apply only to hydrogen?
A: No, this applies to any mass. 1 amu is approximately the mass of a hydrogen atom, but the calculation works for any mass input.
Q3: How precise is this conversion?
A: The conversion factor 931.494 MeV/amu is precise to six significant figures for most practical applications.
Q4: Can I use this for larger masses?
A: Yes, the calculator works for any positive mass input, though very large numbers may exceed practical measurement capabilities.
Q5: What's the relationship between MeV and joules?
A: 1 MeV = 1.60218 × 10-13 joules. The calculator shows MeV as it's the standard unit in nuclear physics for these energy scales.