Conversion constant from mass to energy

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the rest energy of a proton, its rest mass of 938 MeV/c² is multiplied by the conversion factor to obtain energy in joules. The factor of 1.6 x 10^-13 is indeed used to convert MeV to joules, but the c² is inherently included in the mass-energy equivalence formula. Therefore, the c² term does not need to be explicitly included in the calculation, as it is already accounted for in the mass-energy relationship. The rest energy of the proton remains 938 MeV, which is equivalent to its energy in joules when the proper conversion is applied. Understanding this relationship clarifies the conversion process between mass and energy without needing to separately address c².
huey910
Messages
34
Reaction score
0
I was told at school that if we want to calculate the rest energy of the proton, we multiply its rest mass = 938 MeVc^-2 by a factor of 1.6*10^-13. However, doesn't this convert MeV to Joules only? What about the c^2? Please explain why we can omit it in our calculations. Thank you!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
c2 is built into the constant you use.
 
The rest energy is 938Mev
 

Thread 'Thinking Outside The Box Versus Knowing What’s In The Box'

Insights auto threads is broken atm, so I'm manually creating these for new Insight articles. Someone who shows interest in science is initially a welcome development. So are fresh ideas from unexpected quarters. In contrast, there is a scientific community that is meticulously organized down to the last detail, allowing little to no external influence. With the invention of social media and other sites on the internet competing for content, unprecedented opportunities have opened up for...
View full post »

Thread 'Ramjet effect on drone'

I am following someone on Youtube who has built a rocket shaped (4 proprllers) drone for the world speed record ... He was having problems with internal heat from electical control gear and battery inside the sealed rocket (about 1kw waste heat) Speed is 500km/hr , I suggested a 4mm hole in the tip of the nose and 8mm hole at rear which should alow sufficient air cooling .. I said this will increase thrust because the air exiting is hotter .. a bit similar to a ram jet ... was I correct...
View full post »

Similar threads

Proton Rest Mass: Is c^2 a Variable or a Unit?
Replies
11
Views
4K
I Why not find mass increase in a simple way?
Replies
40
Views
5K
I Potential energy of spin anti-alignment
Replies
14
Views
3K
B Rest energies of individual nucleons considered in isolation
Replies
2
Views
3K
I The new definition of kg and the mass-energy equivalence
Replies
4
Views
4K
B What particle represents the mass-energy conversion in a proton?
Replies
4
Views
1K
I Distinctions among the concepts: mass, matter, energy
Replies
1
Views
2K
I How do I convert mass units in physics?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Natural Units: What is the Conversion Process?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Relativity -- Momentum and energy
Replies
6
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top