Converting mass into energy?

dbte47 · #1 Jan 25, 2009, 03:23 PM

calculate how much energy would be released if each of the following masses were converted into entirely into their equivalent energy: (A) a carbon atom of with a mass of 2 X 10^-26. (B) 1 kilogram. (C) a planet as massive as the Earth (6 X 10^24).

sarnian · Jan 25, 2009, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbte47

calculate how much energy would be released if each of the following masses were converted into entirely into their equivalent energy: (A) a carbon atom of with a mass of 2 X 10^-26. (B) 1 kilogram. (C) a planet as massive as the Earth (6 X 10^24).

E = m c^2
m = E / c^2 provides the mass to energy ratio. 3 kg of mass = 2.7 x 10^17Joules.
All you have to do is calculate the weight of each of the three examples, and convert that into Joules.

Have a look at this website, that explains the conversion calculation for 3 kg of gasoline into Joules.



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