Galano, Gino C.

BS ChE 5

Einsteins special theory of relativity relates energy and mass in the sense that
energy is contained in anything that has mass; but in special relativity, since gravity is
neglected, this mass refers to the inertia of an object or the objects tendency to resist a
change in motion.
The following experiments are examples of the numerous experiments
conducted all throughout the years to test the reliability of Einsteins Special theory of
relativity;
1. The Michelson-Morley experiment (MMX)
2. The Kennedy-Thorndike experiment

The special theory of relativity is defined by the equation:

E=mc

Indicating that an objects mass actually contains energy or in other words, an objects
mass is just the physical representation of its own energy. This idea explains the energy
contained by protons, neutrons, and electrons. This is further explained by the idea that
mass (inertia) and kinetic energy increase together when graphed under relativistic
conservation laws.
Considering the fact that an object has an initial mass, we can say that this is the
objects rest mass. Looking at a specific example; Uranium 235 initially has its own rest
mass which means that it contains energy, upon hitting it with a neutron, it becomes
Uranium 236 which is highly unstable causing it to break apart into Krypton 92, Barium
141, and 3 other neutrons. When this fission of radioactive elements is done in a chain
of reactions, the energy given off by each neutron coming from all the consecutive
reactions could be harnessed and used to heat water and produce steam therefore
producing energy in the form of electricity.