Einstein's Mass-Energy Equivalence Relationship

Question 1

Einstein’s Equation

Answer 1

Delta E = Delta Mass * Speed of Light^2

Delta E = change of energy in J
Delta M is change in mass (before and after the reaction)
C represents the speed of light in a vacuum (m/s)

All units must be SI, read Q carefully, always delta E.

Question 2

Comparing Fission and Fusion Energy Release

Answer 2

To compare the amount of energy released during fission and fusion reactions, it is usually best to compare percentage of mass lost during the reaction. Since mass and energy is proportional, if we compare the mass lost, we also compare the percentage of the substance that has become energy.

Percentage mass lost: delta m/m before rxn * 100

Question 3

Comparing Fission and Fusion Energy Release

Answer 3

Nuclear fission releases much more energy than fission when we are comparing mass lost. More energy is released per nucleon for fusion as well.