mc2

Mass-energy equivalence formula

The formula E=mc², Einstein's mass-energy equivalence equation, where E is energy, m is mass, and c is the speed of light squared.

The equation shows that mass and energy are interchangeable—a small amount of mass converts to enormous energy.

It underlies nuclear power and weapons.

Often written mc2 when superscript isn't available: E equals mc2.

equation

Einstein

Byword for genius

relativityHow observers differ
energyPower to do work
massQuantity of matter

physics · formula · speed of light · equivalence · E=mc² · special relativity · theoretical · squared · constant · calculation

nuclear

atomic bomb

Fission-triggered mass destruction device

fissionNuclear breakup releasing energy
fusionJoining into unity
chain reactionSelf-sustaining causal sequence

uranium · plutonium · Manhattan Project · Hiroshima · mushroom cloud · reactor · power plant · radioactive · isotope · critical mass

cultural

genius

Person of rare brilliance

blackboardSurface for chalk writing
thought experimentHypothetical scenario for reasoning
Nobel PrizeHighest academic honor

Princeton · wild hair · popular science · documentary · biography · scientific revolution · paradigm shift · cosmic · universe · intellectual

Opposites

completeness of the equation

Energy-mass conversion relationship

scientific paradigm

mc2Newtonian mechanics

Theory of motion and force

classical physics · conservation of mass

Phrases

E = mc2Mass-energy equivalence relation

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