What Does E = Mc2 Really Mean - Assignment Example

E=Mc2 Task Applications of E =mc2 E = mc2 is an equation, which is widely used in the whole world. This equation came about as a result of Albert Einstein’s work on relativity. He developed this equation because of his knowledge and interest in chemistry, physics, and mathematics. He had always been working and solving matters related to light, mass, and energy. The equation states that energy and mass are capable of being swapped, but only in the right conditions (Benenson, 2005). When one multiplies the mass of an object by the lights’ velocity you are able to obtain the amount of energy in the object.

This shows that light can travel and as it travels, it produces energy. This equation has indeed provided basic knowledge on some processes of nature, for example, radioactive activities. Actually, radioactivity is also E =mc2, but in tiny levels. Radioactive elements are known to be unstable in nature and emit a lot of energy. Examples of radioactive elements include carbon 14 and radium. This is associated with Einstein’s formula. If the atomic nuclei are breaking at a faster speed, more energy will be emitted (Benenson, 2005).

This equation has played a significant role in helping us understand how light works and it moves. From his work, we are able to know that light can be moved from one area to another. A lot of work related to radioactivity uses the formula E = mc2. Hospitals’ radiology departments are the largest users of Albert Einstein’s formula by use of radio-isotopes in scamming and imaging. This formula is also applied in homes by using smoke detecting devices (Tyson, 2005). Radiotherapy for cancer patients also uses this formula in which energy is released to destroy cancerous tumors in the body.

Anything that uses radioactive materials is bound to apply this formula. Another application of the formula e= mc2 is in the field of archaeology. Archaeologists use radioactive material in order to determine the age of fossils and organic remains, for example, by use of radiocarbon dating technique (Tyson, 2005). The most commonly used radioactive material in this process is carbon-14. With the use of these radioactive materials, the age of the remains can be determined. The setting of satellites in space is an exceptionally important aspect of communication in this age.

These satellites need to be powered while in space and this has been achieved through the use of radioactive resources to provide them with the required energy. This is also an important application of the formula e= mc2. This formula has been widely used and the world owes it to Albert Einstein. More applications of the formula e =mc2 are being implemented every day. Some scientists believe that with the help of Albert Einstein’s formula, people will be able to travel in space with radiation powered rockets.

This way, they will save energy by using natural energy. Another project is also underway in the Antarctica whereby a neutrino detector is being constructed. This detector will enable scientists to study light of neutrinos and their nature.