Mass From Energy Calculator

Historical Background

The relationship between energy and mass was established by Albert Einstein in 1905 as part of his special theory of relativity. His famous equation \(E = mc^2\) showed that energy and mass are interchangeable and can be converted into each other.

Formula

The mass from energy can be calculated using the equation derived from Einstein's theory:

\[ M = \frac{E}{c^2} \]

where:

• \(M\) is the mass in kilograms (kg),
• \(E\) is the energy in joules (J),
• \(c\) is the speed of light (299,792,458 m/s).

Example Calculation

Let's say we have 90,000 joules of energy. To calculate the mass associated with this energy, we use the formula:

\[ M = \frac{90000}{(299792458)^2} \approx 1.00229 \times 10^{-12} \text{ kg} \]

Importance and Usage Scenarios

The relationship between mass and energy is critical in understanding nuclear reactions, particle physics, and astrophysics. It explains how stars produce energy through nuclear fusion and how particles interact at high speeds in particle accelerators.

Common FAQs

1. What does \( E = mc^2 \) mean in practice?

   • It means that mass can be converted into energy and vice versa. A small amount of mass can produce a large amount of energy because of the large value of the speed of light squared.

2. Can mass really be converted into energy?

   • Yes, this principle is observed in nuclear reactions, such as in nuclear reactors or atomic bombs, where the loss of mass results in a significant release of energy.

3. Does this principle apply only to nuclear physics?

   • While most prominently observed in nuclear physics, it applies universally, demonstrating that mass and energy are intrinsically linked across all physics domains.