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

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The discussion revolves around the formula MeV/C², which is clarified as representing mass in units of energy. MeV stands for Mega electron volts, a unit of energy, and when divided by the speed of light squared (c²), it relates to mass, aligning with Einstein's equation E=mc². Participants explain that in particle physics, natural units are often used where mass, momentum, and energy are expressed in similar units, such as eV/c and eV/c². This approach simplifies calculations in the field. The original poster expresses appreciation for the explanations and finds the concept less mysterious after the discussion.
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
 
I do not have a good working knowledge of physics yet. I tried to piece this together but after researching this, I couldn’t figure out the correct laws of physics to combine to develop a formula to answer this question. Ex. 1 - A moving object impacts a static object at a constant velocity. Ex. 2 - A moving object impacts a static object at the same velocity but is accelerating at the moment of impact. Assuming the mass of the objects is the same and the velocity at the moment of impact...

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