Mechanism of Einsteins equation

[scihifi]

Homework Statement

What is the exact mechanism through which mass converts into energy and vice versa through Einstein's equation.In other words,what are the conditions under which this transformation happens and why?

Homework Equations

E=m.c^2

The Attempt at a Solution

Some argue that mass is the condensed form of energy so my question is invalid.
I think it's valid even then.The question says "What are the conditions (and why these conditions only) under which this condensed form of energy converts into its free (usual) form and vice-versa?"
I don't know the answer that's why I am curious to it.I have asked many people, even my teachers, but couldn't get a satisfactory answer.

 

[Dick]

To say mass is a condensed form of matter is really oversimplifying. A single electron cannot convert itself into energy (photons) since that would violate any number of laws, conservation of charge, spin, lepton number etc. An electron-positron pair can since they can form a combination which in which these quantities can be conserved by the resulting radiation. Matter is not just an amorphous blob of condensed energy. It has rules of its own.

 

[Mentz114]

"What are the conditions (and why these conditions only) under which this condensed form of energy converts into its free (usual) form and vice-versa?"

I emphasize what Dick has said - matter is not condensed energy.

In nuclear fusion and fission, no actual particles are converted to energy. It is binding energy that is released.

However, matter and anti-matter particles can anihilate each other to produce EM radiation. In the presence of a strong E field, EM radiation can give rise to particle anti-particle pairs.