Suppose we compare the combined mass of a C atom and an O₂molecule, both at rest, with the mass of a CO₂molecule, also at rest. According to Einstein's theory, the combined mass of the C and O₂is A) slightly less, by an amount so small that it hard to measure, than the CO₂molecule's mass. B) considerably less than CO₂molecule's mass. C) considerably more than the CO₂molecule's mass. D) precisely equal to the CO₂molecule's mass. E) slightly more, by an amount so small that it hard to measure, than the CO₂molecule's mass.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The combined mass of the C atom and O2 molecule is slightly more than the CO2 molecule's mass due to the mass-energy equivalence principle. When C and O2 combine to form CO2, energy is released, and according to E=mc^2, this energy corresponds to a small decrease in mass.

Suppose We Compare the Combined Mass of a C Atom