Sunday, May 28, 2023

Albert Einstein Explains Mass-Energy Equivalence

 


Mass and energy are the same entity. This is known as mass-energy equivalence. Albert Einstein explains in this video clip the concept. Mass-energy equivalence can best be described as energy equals mass times the speed of light squared. The equation    has become recognizable to the general public. Mathematics is used in theoretical physics to express natural phenomenon. Mass-energy equivalence emerged out of the special theory of relativity. A diminutive amount of mass can be converted into a large amount of energy. Experimental confirmation of this was achieved in 1932. Mass-energy equivalence  was used to develop new technologies. Nuclear power plants. particle accelerators,  and nuclear weapons are the reason the idea connects to applied science. Relativistic mechanics were required to explain the physics of the subatomic world and the universe. Considerations have to be made in terms of frame of reference, relativistic mass, and relativistic energy. Newtonian mechanics was limited by describing physics in terms of the absolute.  

Friday, May 12, 2023

Astronomers Detect One of The Largest Cosmic Explosions

 


Astronomers have detected one of the largest cosmic explosions. The announcement came from Dr. Phillip Wiseman who led the observations. The observations were conducted by Southampton University. The cause of the explosion is thought to be the result of gas being sucked into a supermassive black hole. Space is a strange and exciting place with new objects to be discovered. The size of the explosion was about 100 times the Solar System. The explosion has been given an official name. Astronomers refer to it as AT2021lwx. The light that comes from the explosion allows astronomers on Earth to detect it. AT2021lwx is still emitting energy. The event could either be the product of a supernova or tidal disruption event. This refers to when a star gets too close to a black hole and gets damaged in the process. Technically, AT2021lwx was detected in 2020 by the Zwicky Transient Facility. However, astronomers needed to collect more data for confirmation. Calculating the brightness required knowing the distance. The distance was determined to be 8 billion light years away. The fact that AT2021lwx is so bright for this long only adds to the mystery. A supernova or tidal disruption event's brightness only lasts a few months. It is unknown when AT202llwx will fade away. Over the next few years astronomers are going to find more cosmic explosions. Examining these occurrences might provide more information on the attributes of black holes.