Question

Nuclear energy is due to conversion of

• A. Light into heat
• B. Mass into energy
• C. Protons into neutrons
• D. Helium into hydrogen

Hint:

Nuclear energy is explained by Einstein's equation \(E=mc^2\), where mass is converted into energy.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Nuclear energy is released during nuclear reactions. In nuclear fission or fusion, the total mass of products is slightly less than the total mass of reactants. This small loss in mass is called mass defect. According to Einstein's mass-energy relation: \[ E=mc^2. \] Here, \[ E=\text{energy}, \] \[ m=\text{mass converted}, \] and: \[ c=\text{speed of light}. \] Even a small mass produces a large amount of energy because \(c^2\) is very large. Therefore, nuclear energy is due to conversion of: \[ \text{mass into energy}. \]