1. What is the Mass to Energy Calculator?

Definition: This calculator computes the energy equivalent of mass using Einstein's famous equation E=mc².

Purpose: It demonstrates the relationship between mass and energy, fundamental to nuclear physics and relativity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses Einstein's mass-energy equivalence formula:

Where:

• \( E \) — Energy (Joules, J)
• \( m \) — Mass (kilograms, kg)
• \( c \) — Speed of light (3 × 10⁸ m/s)

Explanation: A small amount of mass can be converted into an enormous amount of energy, as the speed of light squared is a very large number.

3. Importance of Mass-Energy Calculation

Details: This principle explains nuclear reactions, powers stars, and is fundamental to understanding the universe's energy content.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the mass in kilograms and the speed of light (default 300,000,000 m/s). The speed of light can be adjusted for educational purposes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: How much energy is in 1 kg of mass?
A: Approximately 9 × 10¹⁶ Joules (equivalent to 21 megatons of TNT).

Q3: Can we convert all mass to energy?
A: In practice, only a small fraction of mass is converted in nuclear reactions (about 0.1% in fission, 0.7% in fusion).

Q4: Why don't we see this energy in everyday objects?
A: The energy remains bound in the mass until released through nuclear processes.

Q5: What are some real-world applications?
A: Nuclear power plants, atomic bombs, and the Sun's energy production all rely on mass-energy conversion.