What is the relationship between mass and energy according to E=MC^2?

In summary, the equation e=mc^2 refers to the energy inside an atomic nucleus, which is usually released in the form of heat or light.
  • #1
jaydnul
558
15
Quick question... does that equation refer to any type of matter, like a point particle? Or does it refer to atoms that have nuclei that are attached by the strong force? Lemme put it another way. Take a point particle, an electron... now if you found a way to convert that single electron into energy, would e=mc^2 calculate how much energy that would be? Or does e=mc^2 just refer to the energy inside an atomic nucleus aka the strong force?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
That equation concerns energy of any mass at rest.
If it has got rest mass and is not moving, then it's got that energy.
You can use it to calculate the energy released from the annihilation of an electron with a positron.

Also, I'm pretty sure the "point particle" status of an electron is just an approximation, not actual physical reality.
 
  • #3
So when u-235 is split the energy released isn't equal to (mass of uranium)*(c^2) right? Because a majority of that mass is still there just in two different pieces.
 
  • #4
lundyjb said:
So when u-235 is split the energy released isn't equal to (mass of uranium)*(c^2) right? Because a majority of that mass is still there just in two different pieces.

Yes. Uranium fission only releases a very small fraction of the total mass-energy of the uranium atom. The U-235 bomb that destroyed Hiroshima in 1945 contained about 50 kilograms of U-235, of which a bit less than one kilogram fissioned before the bomb blew apart. The explosion released maybe 5x1013 Joules of energy, meaning that about .5 grams of mass was converted to energy.

(These are round numbers because I'm doing the calculations in my head. Google will find you more precise numbers, but I've got the ranges of sizes about right).
 
  • #5
ahh very interesting. thanks!

Also something that has me a little confused is this: since nuclear fission releases energy, it seems that nuclear fusion should consume energy given that its the opposite of fission. But that's not the case because the sun runs on nuclear fusion. Why is that?
 
  • #6
For light isotopes, fusion tends to release energy and fission tends to require energy input. For heavy isotopes, it's the other way around. The "turnover point" is around iron. Google for "binding energy curve" and you'll probably turn up explanations.
 

1. What is the meaning of E=MC^2?

The equation E=MC^2 is known as the mass-energy equivalence formula, which states that energy (E) is equal to mass (M) multiplied by the speed of light (C) squared. This means that a small amount of mass can be converted into a large amount of energy, and vice versa. This equation is a fundamental principle in the field of physics.

2. Who discovered E=MC^2?

The equation E=MC^2 was first derived by Albert Einstein in 1905 as part of his theory of special relativity. However, it was later refined and expanded upon in his theory of general relativity in 1915. Einstein's work revolutionized our understanding of the relationship between mass and energy, and has had a profound impact on modern physics.

3. How does E=MC^2 relate to nuclear energy?

E=MC^2 is the basis of nuclear energy. Nuclear reactions, such as those that occur in nuclear power plants or nuclear weapons, involve the conversion of a small amount of mass into a large amount of energy. This is why nuclear reactions produce so much more energy than chemical reactions, as the amount of mass involved is much greater.

4. Can E=MC^2 be applied to everyday life?

Yes, E=MC^2 can be applied to everyday life in various ways. For example, it is used in medical imaging technology, such as PET scans, to convert the energy emitted by radioactive particles into images of the body. It is also used in the development of nuclear energy and weapons, which have both positive and negative impacts on society.

5. Is E=MC^2 a complete representation of the relationship between mass and energy?

No, E=MC^2 is not a complete representation of the relationship between mass and energy. It is a simplified equation that only applies in certain situations, such as when mass is converted into energy. In other cases, such as when energy is converted into mass, more complex equations are needed. However, E=MC^2 remains a fundamental principle in understanding the relationship between mass and energy.

Similar threads

  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
13
Views
6K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
11
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
772
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
14
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
55
Views
3K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
2
Views
893
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
28
Views
803
Replies
10
Views
2K
Back
Top