| − | Einstein’s famous formula E=mc<sup>2</sup> says that mass and energy can turn into each other. E stands for [[energy]], m is [[mass]], and c is the [[speed of light]]. So, if you increase the energy of a substance, for example by heating it, it gains a minute amount of mass. If you split an atom apart, as in a nuclear explosion, it loses a tiny amount of mass and you gain a huge amount of [[energy]]. | + | Einstein’s famous formula E=mc<sup>2</sup> says that mass and energy can turn into each other. E stands for [[energy]], m is [[mass]], and c is the [[speed of light]]. So, if you increase the energy of a substance, for example by heating it, it gains a minute amount of mass. If you split an atom apart, as in a nuclear explosion, it loses a tiny amount of mass and you release a huge amount of [[energy]]. |
| − | This revealed a new source of power. Energy binds together the parts of an [[atom]], including the [[nucleus]]. The nucleus of an atom is tiny, but Einstein’s work showed that very little mass could release a huge amount of energy. When one nucleus splits apart, it splits other nuclei around it. This is called a [[chain reaction]]. | + | This revealed a new source of power. Energy binds together the parts of an [[atom]], including the [[nucleus]]. The nucleus of an atom is tiny, but Einstein’s work showed that very little mass could release a huge amount of energy. When one nucleus splits apart, it splits other nuclei around it. This is called a [[chain reaction]]. |