Equivalence in Mass and Energy

Mass-energy equivalence gives a clear connection or link that is present between mass and energy. It describes in detail about mass and energy of an object or a system that is present in its static, relaxed or rest state. Mass and energy are two vital parameters that vary based on the unit of measurement and constants. This was proposed by the world-famous legendary scientist in the field of physics, Albert Einstein. In this article you will learn in detail about mass, energy, how to derive equivalence in mass and energy, e=mc2, history and development of e=mc2 meaning

Mass

Mass is a type of a measure that quantifies an object or a system. Every matter, object, body and a system possesses mass. It acts as a resistance in or to a body when an external force is applied. It constricts movement in the body. It is denoted by the notation m and it is signified by the SI unit kg. Mass can be classified into three types. They are:

• Inertial mass: It is resistance produced or present in a body to movement or acceleration when an external force is applied on it .
• Active gravitational mass: It is the measurement of the amount of gravitational force or a gravitational field that is emitted out from an object. 
• Passive gravitational mass: It is the gravitational force or a gravitational field experienced by an object or a system which occurs in a specified magnitude and direction.

Energy

Energy is a property that can be quantified in an object, body or a system. It has the potential of conversion, i.e. it can be transformed from one system or body to another. Energy cannot be subjected to creation or destruction, only transformation is possible in the terms of energy. It is denoted by the notation E and it is signified by the SI unit joule. Energy can be classified into many types. Some of them are:

• Kinetic energy : It is the energy contained by a body or system that does an action or movement. 
• Potential energy: This is based on an object’s position with respect to the external field like gravitational field, electric field and magnetic field. 
• Chemical energy: It is an energy produced as a result of a chemical reaction. 
• Elastic energy: It is based on an object and body’s ability to stretch. 
• Thermal energy: It is the energy caused as a result of heat and temperature possessed by an object or body.

Mass energy equivalence

The term “mass-energy equivalence” refers to the presence of a clear connection or correlation among both mass and energy. It describes the mass and energy of an entity or an unit in its static, relaxed or rest condition in great detail. Albert Einstein, a world-famous iconic scientist in the world of physics, postulated this. It is proposed as:

E=mc2

E=mc2 meaning is given by the following terms:

E denotes energy

c denotes light constant 

m signifies mass.

Mass-energy equivalence E=mc2 which is popularly called as Einstein equation is derived as follows:

Here the first step is to consider a system or a body moving at a speed that is equivalent to light. The object is found to possess force that is constant acting on it and a momentum and energy that is being induced. 

Energy = Force x Perpendicular momentum

E = F x s

s can be written as ct, where c is light constant and t is time.

F can be written as m x a, where m is given by mass and a by acceleration. 

a can further be written as c/t.

So the equation becomes, E= m x (c/t) x ct

which gives the equation 

E=mc2

Conclusion

Mass-energy equivalence E=mc2 plays a vital role in learning the fundamental principles and concepts of physics. It is applied in various areas of science. It is used in the study of particle accelerators. It is used in nuclear science for the production of nuclear weapons and nuclear energy. This helps in learning the basics of scientific principles and applying it in large fields and equipment.