Question

In the formula E = mc², what does E represent?

1) the electric charge of the object
2) the gravitational potential energy of an object held above the ground
3) the kinetic energy of a moving object
4) the radiative energy carried by light
5) the mass-energy, or potential energy stored in an object's mass

Answer 1

E in the equation E = mc² represents the mass-energy, which is the potential energy stored in an object's mass, highlighting the equivalence of mass and energy as per Einstein's theory.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the formula E = mc², E represents the mass-energy, or potential energy stored in an object's mass. This significant equation, formulated by Albert Einstein, demonstrates that mass can be converted into energy, and vice versa, with the speed of light squared (c²) acting as the conversion factor. Under Einstein's theory, energy and mass are different forms of the same thing, and this equivalence forms the basis of nuclear reactions where a small amount of mass can be transformed into a large amount of energy.