Does a battery lose mass according to the formula e=mc^2 when it is used?

Asker: Ward, age 15

Answer

Strictly speaking, yes.

The energy content of a battery is of the order of magnitude GJ/m3. A standard battery contains something like a few thousand joules. According to E=mc2 corresponds to this a mass of 10-14 kilograms.

This difference in mass is mainly due to a different binding energy between the molecules in the battery.

Does a battery lose mass according to the formula e=mc^2 when it is used?

Answered by

Prof Walter Lauriks

Physics Acoustics

Catholic University of Leuven
Old Market 13 3000 Leuven
https://www.kuleuven.be/

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