Mathematical Homework Assignment for Lecture 07
[a] In the equation E = mc’ discovered by Albert Einstein in 1905, c is the speed of any particle of light traveling through vacuum. It is defined to be exactly 299,792,458 meters per second (m s’). What, then is c’ and what units should that quantity have? flow many digits are significant in that answer? Explain why.
[b] An object with a mass of Y kilograms would be equal in mass to about how many paper clips? As always, explain your reasoning and show all calculations that you use.
[c] If that object’s mass were converted into energy, how much energy would result? Make sure to give your answers in units of kilogram meters squared per second squared (kg m2 s’). Two digits of your answer are significant.
[d] Does that amount of energy seem like a lot or a little? Explain your answer, citing any sources you use.
