E = mc2

Mass-energy conversion formula

E = mc² is Einstein's mass-energy equivalence equation, expressing that energy equals mass multiplied by the speed of light squared.

The formula reveals that mass and energy are interchangeable—a small amount of matter contains enormous energy.

It underlies nuclear power and nuclear weapons, where tiny mass losses release devastating force.

The equation has become a cultural shorthand for genius and scientific breakthrough: It's not exactly E = mc² means something isn't complicated.

Related

nuclear · genius · theory of relativity · special relativity · spacetime · thought experiment · photon · quantum · theory · bomb · Hiroshima · mushroom cloud · fission · particle · cosmos · velocity · squared · formula

Family

energy, mass, speed, light, equation, equal, equality, equalize, equally

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Rated G