What famous relationship governs the conversion of lost mass during fusion into energy?
Answer
E=mc^2
During the nuclear fusion process, where lighter nuclei form heavier ones, it is observed that the final product (e.g., one helium nucleus) has slightly less mass than the sum of the initial components (e.g., four hydrogen nuclei). This discrepancy in mass is not lost to the universe but is instead directly transformed into pure energy. This fundamental conversion principle is mathematically described by Einstein's renowned equation, E=mc^2, illustrating that a tiny amount of mass yields a significant amount of radiant energy.
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