MCQ Detailed View

Albert Einstein, one of the most influential scientists in history, developed the theory of relativity, which changed how we understand space, time, and energy. A key part of this theory is his famous equation:

E = mc²

This formula explains that energy (E) and mass (m) are not separate entities but are interchangeable. The constant c represents the speed of light in a vacuum, which is approximately 3 × 10⁸ meters per second. Since the speed of light squared is a very large number, even a small amount of mass can be converted into a huge amount of energy.This principle is the foundation of many scientific and technological advancements. For example, it explains how the Sun produces energy. In the Sun’s core, nuclear reactions convert a small fraction of mass into enormous amounts of energy that reach Earth as sunlight. Similarly, nuclear power plants and atomic bombs release energy by converting mass based on Einstein’s equation.

The equation also implies that energy has mass. This is why high-energy particles in physics experiments can behave as if they have more mass than when they are at rest. The concept has been tested and verified through numerous experiments, making it a cornerstone of modern physics.

Understanding E = mc² helps students learn how the universe works at its most fundamental level. It bridges the concepts of matter and energy, showing they are two forms of the same thing. This equation is one of the most recognized scientific formulas worldwide and is essential in both theoretical and applied physics.