The Mass-Energy Equivalence calculator uses Einstein's Special Relativity equation (E = m⋅c²) to compute the Energy (E) that exists in a resting mass (m) using the speed of light (c).
INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:
- (m) Mass of Object
Energy (E): The calculator return the energy in megaelectronvolts (MeV). However, this can be automatically converted to compatible units via the pull-down menu.
The Math / Science
Albert Einstein developed this famous formula to compute the relationship between energy and mass. The mass-energy equation is:
E = m⋅c²
where:
- E = energy equivalent to mass
- m = mass
- c² = speed of light squared (931.46 MeV/u)
The above equation assumes that the mass is at rest and has no kinetic energy.
Few formulas are more recognizable than E = mc², and few scientist have more notoriety than Albert Einstein. Einstein's formula shows the tremendous atomic energy potential in even the smallest amounts of mass. Einstein's formula uses the constant c, which is the speed of light (299,792,458 meters per second). When the energy is computed by multiplying the mass times the speed of light squared (8.98x1016), it is obvious that an enormous amount of energy can be realized in a very small amount of mass.
Mass-Energy-Light Calculators
- E = m•c² (mass/energy equivalent)
- m = E/c² (mass from energy)
- E = m•γ•c² (mass/energy equivalent not at rest)
- E = h•ν (Quantum Energy)
- p = m•γ•v (Relativistic Momentum)
- c (Speed of light) = 2.99792458E8 m/s
- c² (Speed of Light Squared) = 931.46 MeV/u
- Lorentz factor (`gamma`)
- KE ≈ m(1+v²/(2c²)-1)c² (Relativistic Kinetic Energy)
REFERENCE
A helpful and more detailed explanation can be found at http://www.emc2-explained.info/Emc2/Basics.htm
Light and Matter by Dr. Benjamin Crowell