Exam-style question
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What is the correct statement of mass‑energy equivalence?.
- A.Energy equals mass times the speed of light squared
- B.Energy equals mass times velocity squared
- C.Energy equals mass times gravitational acceleration times height
- D.Energy equals mass times spring constant times extension squared
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- Energy equals mass times the speed of light squared
Explanation
Why this works
Formula/rule: E = mc^2. Substitution: m = 1 kg, c = 3.0×10^8 m s⁻¹.
Working: E = 1 kg × (3.0×10^8 m s⁻¹)² = 9.0×10^16 J. Answer: 9.0×10^16 J.
Units/conclusion: This statement captures the mass‑energy equivalence principle, showing that mass can be transformed into a large amount of energy.
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