Question

In Einstein's mass-energy equivalence relation, the symbol c stands for:

Options

• The velocity of sound in air

• The velocity of light in vacuum

• The charge of the electron

• The specific heat capacity of the substance

Answer 1

In the relation \[E = mc^2\], c represents the velocity of light in vacuum, approximately \[3 \times 10^8 \text{ m s}^{-1}\]. Its large value explains why even a small mass corresponds to enormous energy.