Which famous equation quantifies the mass converted into energy during stellar fusion?
Answer
$E=mc^2$
The conversion of mass into energy during the nuclear fusion process within a star is precisely quantified by Albert Einstein’s famous equation, $E=mc^2$. This equation dictates that a small amount of 'missing' mass, which is the slight difference between the total mass of the initial hydrogen nuclei and the resulting helium nucleus, is directly converted into a tremendous amount of energy. This released energy manifests as the photons and radiation that eventually escape the star, powering its luminosity and providing heat.
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