Mass-Energy Equivalence
Mass-energy equivalence, expressed by the equation \(E=mc^2\), means that mass (m) and energy (E) are interchangeable; they are different forms of the same thing. In this context, \(c\) represents the speed of light, a constant that shows how a small amount of mass can be converted into a tremendous amount of energy. This principle is fundamental in physics, illustrating that mass can be transformed into energy during nuclear reactions, while energy can also manifest as mass, highlighting the deep connection between mass and energy in our universe.
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Mass-energy equivalence is a concept from physics, best known through Einstein's famous equation, E=mc². It states that mass (m) can be converted into energy (E) and vice versa. This means that a small amount of mass can produce a large amount of energy, because it is multiplied by the speed of light squared (c²), a very large number. This principle underlies processes like nuclear reactions, where mass is transformed into energy, explaining phenomena like the energy produced by the sun or atomic bombs. Essentially, mass and energy are two forms of the same thing.