Yes, according to the theory of relativity, mass and energy are interchangeable. This concept is described by the famous equation E = mc², where E represents energy, m represents mass, and c represents the speed of light in a vacuum.
The equation shows that mass can be converted into energy and vice versa. This is particularly relevant in situations involving high speeds or large amounts of energy, such as nuclear reactions and particle physics. In these cases, a small amount of mass can be converted into a large amount of energy, as demonstrated by the famous equation.
In practical terms, this equivalence is observed in various phenomena. For example, nuclear reactions in the Sun convert a small fraction of its mass into radiant energy, which is emitted as light and heat. Similarly, nuclear power plants rely on the conversion of mass into energy through processes such as nuclear fission.
The concept of mass-energy equivalence is a fundamental principle in physics and has been verified by numerous experimental observations and measurements. It plays a crucial role in our understanding of the behavior of matter and energy at both the macroscopic and microscopic levels.