Question

A nuclear explosion results in a mass decrease of 2.10 g. how much energy is released during this explosion?(c = 3.00 x 108 m/s)

a. 2.25 x 10^12J
b. 1.89 x 10^13J
c. 1.89 x 10^14J
d. 6.30 x 10^5J

Answer 1

Answer: c. 1.89 x 10^14 J

Step-by-step explanation:

By Einstein's equation, we know that:

E = m*c^2

Where m is the mass-consumed in this case:

m = 2.10g

And we must rewrite this in Kg, knowing that:

1kg = 1000g

Then:

m = 2.10g = (2.10/1000) kg = 0.0021 kg

And c is the speed of light:

c = 3*10^8 m/s.

Then the energy will be:

E = 0.0021 kg*(3*10^8 m/s)^2 = 1.89*10^14 Joules.

The correct option is:

c. 1.89 x 10^14J