Question

Write Einstein’s mass-energy equivalence relation and calculate the nuclear energy (in MeV) released due to loss of mass by 1 amu.

Answer 1

Einstein’s mass-energy equivalence relation is:

E = Δm × c^2​

where E is energy, m is mass and c is the speed of light.

For a mass loss of 1 amu:

1 amu = 1.66 × 10⁻²⁷ kg

E = mc²

E = (1.66 × 10⁻²⁷) (3 × 10⁸)²

E = 1.494 × 10⁻¹⁰ J

Since 1 MeV = 1.602 × 10⁻¹³ J

E = `(1.494 xx 10^-10)/(1.602 xx 10^-13)`

E ≈ 932 MeV​

The nuclear energy released by a mass loss of 1 amu is approximately 932 MeV​.