Question

A fundamental law of modern physics that states that the sum of mass and energy must always remain constant in any physical process. In fusion reactions, the lost mass is converted into energy, primarily in the form of electromagnetic radiation is _____________.

a) Law of conservation of energy
b) Nuclear fusion principle
c) Mass-energy equivalence
d) Solar constant principle

Answer 1

The correct answer is c) Mass-energy equivalence, which incorporates the concept that mass and energy are interconvertible, as stated by the equation E=mc², aligning with the law of conservation of energy in a relativistic framework.

Step-by-step explanation:

The fundamental law of modern physics that states that the sum of mass and energy must always remain constant in any physical process, especially in nuclear fusion reactions where the lost mass is converted into energy, is known as the mass-energy equivalence. This principle is encapsulated by the famous equation E=mc², which emphasizes that in these nuclear reactions, significant energy changes occur, and measurable mass changes are observed, leading to matter-energy conversion. The correct answer to the question is c) Mass-energy equivalence.

In this context, the law of conservation of energy is modified to account for these mass-energy conversions, ensuring that the total quantity of matter and energy in the universe remains fixed, in alignment with our understanding of the conservation of energy. Not only does this fundamental principle apply to nuclear physics, but it also fundamentally alters our understanding of energy in the relativistic framework, taking into account the convertibility between mass and energy.