Understanding 1amu to 931.5MeV/c^2 Conversion: Explained in Simple Terms"

  • Thread starter Thread starter goodcow
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
The conversion of 1 atomic mass unit (amu) to 931.5 MeV/c² is derived from Einstein's equation E=mc², which relates mass and energy. To understand this conversion, one must first know the mass of 1 amu in kilograms. Additionally, converting joules to electron volts (eV) is necessary, as 1 MeV equals 1 million eV. This relationship illustrates how mass can be expressed as energy in the context of particle physics. The explanation clarifies the connection between mass units and energy measurements.
goodcow
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Hi, could someone explain why 1amu=931.5MeV/c^2? Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
1. Look up the conversion factor between amu and kg.

2. Recall that E = mc2.

3. Finally, look up the conversion factor between joules and electron volts (eV).
 
Thank you: I see how it works now
 

Thread 'Does acceleration affect impact energy vs constant velocity?'

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...
View full post »

Similar threads

Undergrad Confused about unit conversion involving natural units
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Unit Conversions of Force: How to Convert Between Different Units of Force?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Atom Interaction: Solving T=E^2/4*(M+m)c^2
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Arithmetic Mean-Geometric Mean inequality question
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Is the mass of a photon stationary in space?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
High School What is the meaning of the famous equation E=mc^2?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
7K
Undergrad Integrity of matter / space and time
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
Undergrad MP2 vs. HF Method Explanation for Beginners
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K
High School What Is Relativity Theory in Simple Terms?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Nulcear fission, two daughter nuclei
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K