E equals m c squared is one of the most famous equations in physics, discovered by Albert Einstein in nineteen oh five as part of his theory of special relativity. The equation states that energy equals mass times the speed of light squared. Here, E represents energy, m represents mass, and c represents the speed of light in a vacuum.
The equation reveals that mass and energy are two forms of the same thing and can be converted into each other. The key insight is that even a tiny amount of mass contains a tremendous amount of energy because c squared is an enormous number. The speed of light is approximately three hundred million meters per second, so c squared equals about nine times ten to the sixteenth meters squared per second squared.
Let's calculate the energy in just one gram of matter. We have mass equals zero point zero zero one kilograms, and the speed of light is three times ten to the eighth meters per second. Using E equals m c squared, we get E equals zero point zero zero one times three times ten to the eighth squared, which equals nine times ten to the thirteenth Joules. This is equivalent to the energy released by twenty thousand tons of TNT!
E equals m c squared has profound implications for our modern world. Nuclear power plants convert small amounts of uranium into enormous energy. Nuclear weapons demonstrate the destructive potential of mass-energy conversion. Stars and the Sun use fusion reactions to convert mass into light and heat. Medical applications include PET scans and radiation therapy, all based on this fundamental relationship between mass and energy.
To summarize what we have learned: E equals m c squared shows that mass and energy are equivalent and can be converted into each other. Small amounts of mass contain enormous energy due to the speed of light squared being such a large number. This fundamental principle powers stars and enables nuclear technology. Einstein's famous equation has revolutionized our understanding of the universe and continues to shape modern physics and technology.