1. What is Mass-Energy Equivalence?

The mass-energy equivalence principle states that mass can be converted into energy and vice versa, as described by Einstein's famous equation E=mc². This fundamental concept in physics relates the mass of an object to its energy content.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

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

Where:

• \( m \) — Mass in kilograms (kg)
• \( E \) — Energy in joules (J)
• \( c \) — Speed of light in vacuum (299,792,458 m/s)

Explanation: The equation shows that a small amount of mass corresponds to an enormous amount of energy due to the speed of light squared factor.

3. Importance of Mass-Energy Calculation

Details: Understanding mass-energy equivalence is crucial in nuclear physics, particle physics, and cosmology. It explains energy production in stars and nuclear reactors.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter energy in joules and the speed of light (default is 299,792,458 m/s). The calculator will compute the equivalent mass.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the speed of light squared in the equation?
A: The c² term converts between units of mass and energy, representing the enormous amount of energy contained in matter.

Q2: How much energy is in 1 kg of mass?
A: About 89,875,517,873,681,764 joules (89.9 petajoules) - equivalent to 21.5 megatons of TNT.

Q3: Does this equation apply to all energy forms?
A: It applies to the total energy content of a system, including rest mass energy. For kinetic energy alone, different equations apply.

Q4: Why don't we see mass-energy conversion in daily life?
A: The energy changes in chemical reactions are too small to produce measurable mass changes (only about 1 part in 10¹⁰).

Q5: Where is this equation practically used?
A: In nuclear power, particle accelerators, understanding stellar processes, and in the development of nuclear weapons.