• Question: What is E=mc^2

    Asked by to Anna on 16 Jun 2014. This question was also asked by .
    • Photo: Anna Bramwell-Dicks

      Anna Bramwell-Dicks answered on 16 Jun 2014:

      Great question! I will try to answer as best I can, though, this is not really my area at all (I am definitely not a physicist!)

      Anyways, E=mc^2 is a really famous equation proposed by Albert Einstein, known as the Theory of Relativity. But what does it tell us?

      Well, it’s quite simple… this equation tells us that there is a relationship between Energy (E) and Mass (m) – specifically, that the Energy of an object (E) is equal to the Mass of the object (m) multiplied by a constant (c^2).

      But why is this an important question?

      Well, it tells us that mass and energy are interchangeable – they are two different ways of looking at the same thing, which means that under the right conditions energy can become mass or mass can become energy.

      This understanding has led to hugely important scientific discoveries and inventions, E=mc^2 is used everywhere! From smoke detectors, to nuclear physics, to how your oven works. This simple-looking equation is really important.

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