Question

Question 7480: E=mc² is one of the most recognizable equations in the world. Published by Albert Einstein in 1905, the equation describes a fundamental relationship between energy, E, and matter (or mass), m. But what exactly is the relationship?

A) E and m are directly proportional.

B) E and m are inversely proportional.

C) E and m have no relationship.

D) E equals the square of the product of mass and the speed of light.

Answer 1

Einstein's equation E = mc² demonstrates that energy and mass are directly proportional, with the speed of light squared acting as the constant of proportionality. This reveals the potential for conversion between mass and energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

Albert Einstein's theory of relativity presents one of the most famous equations in physics: E = mc². In this equation, E stands for energy, m stands for mass, and c represents the speed of light in a vacuum (approximately 3 x 10¸ meters per second). The relationship that Einstein discovered indicates that energy and mass are directly proportional; as one increases, so does the other, and this is because the speed of light squared (c²) is a constant. This equation shows that mass can be converted into energy and vice versa, profoundly changing our understanding of the physical world.