Understanding the Meaning of MeV/C²: A Beginner's Guide to Physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the meaning of the expression MeV/c², particularly in the context of physics. Participants explore its significance in relation to energy and mass, especially within particle physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that MeV represents Mega electron volts, which is a unit of energy, suggesting that MeV/c² could be interpreted as a measure of mass based on the equation E = mc².
  • Others explain that in particle physics, it is common to use "natural" units where mass, momentum, and energy are expressed in the same units, leading to expressions like eV/c and eV/c².
  • A participant provides an example, indicating that 34 MeV/c² can be approximately converted to other units, such as joules per c² and kilograms.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the interpretation of MeV as a unit of energy and its relation to mass, but there is no consensus on the broader implications or applications of this expression in various contexts.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve potential ambiguities in the interpretation of MeV/c² or the implications of using natural units in different scenarios.

Blueice88
[SOLVED] Basic Doubt

Hi All,I Want to know the meaning of this formula:MeV/C², Someone can help me?It seems like a big misterious! ;)) Sorry, i´m new in the physics.I beginning to study it,2 weeks ago.Best regards.



Blueice88
 
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Hmm... It's a little ambiguous.

MeV could equal Mega electron volts, which is an unit of energy. So MeV/c^2 could be an expression for mass. (ie. E = mc^2)
 
:wink: Thank you very much Buddy.I think which you help me.I´m grateful.I like this forum,Congratulations for the Owner and the moderator.Best regards.



Blueice88
 
Yeah -- lots of times in particle physics we want to work in
"natural" units where mass, momentum, and energy all the same units. Then you will see momentum expressed in units of "eV/c" and mass in units of "eV/c^2" (or MeV etc as the case may be.)

eg 34 MeV/c^2 ~ 2e-13 J/c^2 ~ 2e-30 kg
 
Thanks for explanation,friend.It seems like a big misterious! ;) But it is not so hard.Best regards.



Blueice88
 

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