1. What is the Mass-Energy Equivalence?

The equation \( E = \Delta m c^2 \) is Einstein's mass-energy equivalence formula, showing that energy (E) and mass (Δm) are interchangeable. It's fundamental to nuclear physics, explaining energy release in nuclear reactions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the mass-energy equivalence equation:

Where:

• \( E \) — Energy produced (Joules)
• \( \Delta m \) — Mass defect (kg)
• \( c \) — Speed of light (299,792,458 m/s)

Explanation: Even a small amount of mass can be converted into a tremendous amount of energy due to the speed of light squared factor.

3. Importance of the Equation

Details: This equation explains energy production in nuclear power plants, atomic bombs, and even the energy output of stars. It's the foundation of nuclear physics.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass defect in kilograms (for nuclear reactions, this is typically very small). The speed of light is pre-filled but can be adjusted if needed for theoretical calculations.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the speed of light squared in the equation?
A: The c² term comes from Einstein's theory of relativity, representing the conversion factor between mass and energy units.

Q2: How is mass defect created?
A: In nuclear reactions, the mass of the products is slightly less than the mass of the reactants - this "missing mass" (defect) is converted to energy.

Q3: What's a typical mass defect in nuclear reactions?
A: For uranium-235 fission, about 0.1% of the mass is converted to energy (about 0.000000000000000001 kg per atom).

Q4: Can this equation be used for chemical reactions?
A: While technically applicable, mass changes in chemical reactions are too small to measure - chemical energy comes from electron interactions, not mass-energy conversion.

Q5: How does this relate to nuclear power?
A: Nuclear power plants harness the energy released when atomic nuclei split (fission) or combine (fusion), with the energy output calculated by this equation.