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Physics/Energy cannot be created or destroyed

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Question
Law of Conservation of Energy states: Energy cannot be created or destroyed. How can this be if a nuclear reaction can cause less matter to exist in the universe after the reaction?

Answer
Matter is a form of energy. The energy in the matter destroyed exactly equals the energy released in the reaction.  Because the formula for this transformation is

E = mc^2

and c^2 is a VERY large number, you can see how a small amount of matter destroyed can result in a great deal of energy released.

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I can help with understanding physics that does not involve eggs. I will NOT help with academic or professional questions, which are NOT limited only to homework. Please do not waste your time by asking a question that comes out of ANY kind of academic, professional, or business matters.

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Have been fascinated by physical laws ever since I learned, at age seven, that magnets work under water. My study continued through college and has not ceased even after I retired.

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B.A. in Physics (with honors) from University of California at Berkeley.M.A. in Physics (with honors) from University of Texas Austin.

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