Physics A-Level
Mass–energy conservation
What Mass–energy conservation means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of Mass–energy conservation
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Mass–energy conservation in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
The increase in binding energy per nucleon corresponds to a decrease in total mass, converted by E = mc².
Topics that use Mass–energy conservation
- Mass and energy (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Atomic mass unit
- Binding energy
- Binding energy per nucleon comparisons
- Breakdown of classical mechanics at relativistic speeds
- Energy release in nuclear reactions
- Energy released per kilogram of fuel
- Energy–mass equivalence
- Fusion and fission
Using Mass–energy conservation in the exam
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