What is the difference between MeV/c2 and MeV?

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In summary, MeV/c^2 is a unit of mass and MeV is a unit of energy. The rest energy of a particle can be calculated by multiplying its mass in MeV/c^2 by c^2. So, a proton with a mass of 938 MeV/c^2 can release 938 MeV of energy when it annihilates with an anti-proton.
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Deepak247
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what is the difference between MeV/c2 and MeV?

Lets say that proton has 938 MeV/c2 mass, does it mean that it can be converted into 938 MeV worth of energy?
 
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Well, MeV/c^2 is a unit of mass, and MeV is a unit of energy. The rest energy of a particle can be computed in units of MeV by multiplying it's rest mass in units of MeV/c^2 by c^2. So, yes if the proton's mass is 938 MeV/c^2 and it annihilates with an anti-proton, the proton will release 938 MeV of energy and the anti-proton will release 938 MeV of energy as well.
 

FAQ: What is the difference between MeV/c2 and MeV?

What is the difference between MeV/c2 and MeV?

MeV/c2 and MeV are both units of measurement used in particle physics to measure the mass of subatomic particles. However, they have different meanings and are used in different contexts.

How are MeV/c2 and MeV related?

MeV/c2 is a unit of energy divided by the speed of light squared (c2), which is equal to the unit of mass. MeV, on the other hand, is a unit of energy. Therefore, MeV/c2 is used to express the mass-energy equivalence of a particle, while MeV is used to express the energy of a particle.

When is MeV/c2 used?

MeV/c2 is commonly used to express the rest mass of subatomic particles, such as protons, neutrons, and electrons. It is also used in the famous equation E=mc2, where c represents the speed of light, to show the relationship between mass and energy.

When is MeV used?

MeV is used to express the energy of particles in particle accelerators and nuclear reactions. It is also used to measure the energy released in radioactive decay and nuclear reactions.

Why is it important to distinguish between MeV/c2 and MeV?

It is important to distinguish between MeV/c2 and MeV because they represent different quantities and are used in different contexts. Using the wrong unit of measurement can lead to errors in calculations and misunderstandings in scientific research and communication.

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