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*E=mc² is not about where the power of the atomic bomb comes from, though the physicists developing atomic power and atomic bombs were completely familiar with it.
*E=mc² is not about where the power of the atomic bomb comes from, though the physicists developing atomic power and atomic bombs were completely familiar with it.
A little calculation will show that E=mc² is dimensionally correct. So, for example, in [[SI]] units (also called MKS units), E is in Joules, m in kilograms, and c in meters per second. In CGS units or "English" units (pounds and feet) it is also dimensionally correct, as long as the units are used consistently. Physicists, when they are really into theory, sometimes like to use "natural units", which are calibrated so the c=1. We won't do that.
A little calculation will show that E=mc² is dimensionally correct. So, for example, in [[SI]] units (also called MKS units), E is in [[Joule]]s, m in [[kilogram]]s, and c in [[meter]]s per second. In [[CGS]] units or units of the [[US Customary System of Units|US Customary System]] ([[pound]]s and [[foot|feet]]) it is also dimensionally correct, as long as the units are used consistently. Physicists, when they are really into theory, sometimes like to use "natural units", which are calibrated so that ''c'' is dimensionless and has the value 1. <!-- We won't do that.-->
In any normal units, the value of c, the speed of light, is enormous, its square even more so. This means that E=mc² equates an extremely tiny amount of mass with an extremely large amount of energy. This gives the equation some of its mystique. We will attempt to dispel that mystique, and explain just what the equation means.
In any normal units, the value of c, the speed of light, is enormous, its square even more so. This means that E=mc² equates an extremely tiny amount of mass with an extremely large amount of energy. This gives the equation some of its mystique. <!--We will attempt to dispel that mystique, and explain just what the equation means.-->