how can splitting a tiny piece of an even tinier atom create such a vast explosion?

Question

how can splitting a tiny piece of an even tinier atom create such a vast explosion?

In: Physics

Answer 1

You don’t need to actually know math, I promise. Bear with me:

The relevant equation is

E=mc^2 (yes, *that* E = mc^2 )

Energy = mass x the speed of light *squared*

Splitting atoms in a nuclear explosion converts a tiny bit of matter (mass) into energy. But the speed of light is a huge number. The speed of light *squared* is so utterly gigantic that multiplying a small mass by this HUGE amount means you release a ton of energy in a very small space – aka a vast explosion.

This answer brought to you by a man. That man’s name? Albert Einstein.