If the energy in an object equals it's mass, multiplied by the speed of light squared...?

Question

...does this refer to the amount of potential energy released over a particular span of time, or in one instant? Is there a further formula to show how the amount of energy released increases or decreases over time, from the initial release of that energy?

Answer 1

It is the amout of energy released if the ENTIRE mass is converted to energy. In typical nuclear reactions, an element is converted to a different element (like Hydrogen to Helium). In the conversion, mass is lost and energy is released equivalent to E=mc^2 for the lost mass.

In an atomic reaction, not every atom is instantly converted, it happens over time, possibly very fast (nuclear explosion) or in a more steady time manner (nuclear reactor and the sun). However, for a given set of atoms undergoing fission or fusion, the reaction is almost instantaneous (though I don't know the actual time of reaction).

Answer 2

E = mc^2 is the energy equivalent of mass and the mass equivalent of energy. When a fission warhead detonates the number of contained electrons, protons, and neutrons does not immediately change. The energy is released from a reshouffling of nuclear binding energies, 46.56 mg/kilotonne yield mass equivalent.

Answer 3

The equation implies that the mass of a system in its rest frame quantifies its total internal energy, potential plus the kinetic energy of any internal moving parts. The time dependence of any convertions from one form of energy to another depend entirely on the details of any interaction mechanisms.

Answer 4

The formula E=mc(sqd) refers to the energy released in the mass deficit (m) occurring in nuclear reactions at atomic level.

Answer 5

yes, it is maximum amount of potencial energy which ic contained in it.rate ofreleasing it is a separate matter