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Chapter 3: Problem 7

In one sentence, define matter and energy, and demonstrate how they are related.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Matter is any physical substance that occupies space and has mass, caught in a form of particles like atoms and molecules, whereas energy is the capacity to do work, i.e., to move, or cause motion. Their relationship is manifested in the equation 'E=mc^2', where energy can be converted into matter and vice versa with the speed of light acting as the conversion factor.

Step by step solution

01

Define Matter

Matter can be defined as any physical substance that occupies space and has mass, consisting of particles like atoms and molecules.
02

Define Energy

Energy, in physics, can be described as the capacity to perform work—that is, to move, or cause other objects to move.
03

Describe the Relationship between Matter and Energy

The relationship between matter and energy can be demonstrated with the equation 'E=mc^2', derived from Einstein's theory of relativity. This equation suggests that energy (E) can be converted into matter (m) and vice versa, with 'c' being the speed of light in vacuum serving as the conversion factor.

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