Einstein's E=mc2 'was Italian's idea'?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the claim that the equation E=mc² was originally proposed by Italian industrialist Olinto De Pretto before Albert Einstein's use of it in his theory of relativity. Participants explore the origins of the equation, its derivation, and the implications of its discovery.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Historical
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the validity of the claim that De Pretto discovered E=mc² before Einstein, emphasizing the importance of how the equation was derived rather than just its existence.
  • Others argue that E=mc² was a consequence of Einstein's theory of relativity, not a standalone discovery that he published independently.
  • A participant notes that much of Special Relativity shares similarities with prior ether-based theories, suggesting that the mathematical framework did not change significantly despite differing predictions.
  • One participant highlights the philosophical implications of E=mc² and its popularity, while also pointing out that Einstein's work on the photoelectric effect had a more direct impact on modern technology.
  • Another participant mentions that students often challenge themselves to find areas of science that Einstein did not influence, indicating his extensive impact on the field.
  • There is a correction regarding the timeline of Einstein's work, with a participant stating that he had conceptualized the equation several years before its publication in 1905.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the origins and implications of E=mc², with no consensus reached regarding the claim about De Pretto's prior publication or the nature of Einstein's derivation of the equation.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the definitions of discovery and derivation in the context of scientific theories, as well as the historical timeline of Einstein's work compared to De Pretto's claims.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in the historical development of physics, the origins of key scientific equations, and the interplay between different scientific theories may find this discussion relevant.

Carlos Hernandez
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Is this true?

Einstein's E=mc2 'was Italian's idea'
Rory Carroll in Rome
Thursday November 11, 1999
The Guardian

The mathematical equation that ushered in the atomic age was discovered by an unknown Italian dilettante two years before Albert Einstein used it in developing the theory of relativity, it was claimed yesterday.

Olinto De Pretto, an industrialist from Vicenza, published the equation E=mc2 in a scientific magazine, Atte, in 1903, said Umberto Bartocci, a mathematical historian.

Complete text at http://www.guardian.co.uk/print/0,3858,3928978-103681,00.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Ah, but how did he DERIVE it? Just the equation alone is good enough for newspapers and newbies, but reasons are what the rest of us go by.
 
Also, E=mc^2 was not used in the development of relativity, it was discovered as a consequence of the theory itself. Gah, newspapers always get this sort of thing wrong. I guess the general public thinks that Einstein said "E=mc^2? Yeah, baby, that seems about right. I think I'm going to publish that one!"

I think Gary Larson once made a cartoon about it, with Einstein standing in front of a blackboard covered in attempts like E=mc^19 and E=mc^4. His mom (or wife?) was dusting the room, and saying "yep, it's all squaaaaared away in here. Squaaaaared away."

- Warren
 
Actually, much of Special relativity is similar to prior ether based theories. Time and space contractions would be identical 'apparent' time and space contractions in ether theories except for additional accounthing for ether wind.

There are divergent predictions, but the math doesn't really change that much.

The really interesting thing about SR is that it provides a model for a constant speed of light. "E=mc2" is popular because it has interesting philosophical implications, and because it's easy to explain.

Notably, although Einstein is primarily famous for Special and General Relativity, his work on the photoelectric effect is what he received his Nobel prize for, and has also had a much more significant effect on our day-to-day lives since it is associated with Lasers and LEDs.
 
SPS students often play a game: try to find an area of science that Einstein didn't influence. It's actually really hard to do!

- Warren
 
Originally posted by Carlos Hernandez
Is this true?

Einstein's E=mc2 'was Italian's idea'
Rory Carroll in Rome
Thursday November 11, 1999
The Guardian

The mathematical equation that ushered in the atomic age was discovered by an unknown Italian dilettante two years before Albert Einstein used it in developing the theory of relativity, it was claimed yesterday.

Olinto De Pretto, an industrialist from Vicenza, published the equation E=mc2 in a scientific magazine, Atte, in 1903, said Umberto Bartocci, a mathematical historian.

Complete text at http://www.guardian.co.uk/print/0,3858,3928978-103681,00.html

Actually it is well known that einstein has written the Equation down some years earlier(at least 3/4yrs) prior to his publication 1905.

The term of the equation was thought out by Einstein early 1900s, but he needed to further its consequences. This is well documented.
 
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Originally posted by chroot
SPS students often play a game:

what are SPS students?
 
Society of Physics Students

- Warren
 

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