Chapter 16, Problem 28A

A friend says that the equation $E=m{c}^2$ has relevance to nuclear power plants, but not to fossil-fuel power plants. Another friend looks to see if you agree. What do you say?

To determine

To Explain: The relevance of $E=m{c}^2$ with fossil fuel power planta and nuclear power plants.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Fossil − fuel power plants are used to generate electricity by burning coal and natural gases. The nuclear power plants are used to generate electricity through the nuclear fission reaction of radioactive molecule.

When nuclear reaction is carried out in a nuclear power plant, some of the mass of original atom converted into energy according to the $E=m{c}^2$ .

The fossil fuels in power plants come from the prehistoric plant. The energy in plants comes from the sun, which is the richest source of nuclear fusion. Therefore, virtually fossil fuel power plants are also relevant to the $E=m{c}^2$ .

Conclusion:

Therefore, Nuclear power plants and fossil − fuel power plants both are relevant to the $E=m{c}^2$ .