E=MC2: Consequences of Being Wrong

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    E=mc2
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of the equation E=mc² being incorrect. Participants explore theoretical consequences across various domains, including nuclear physics, energy, and the nature of light, while examining the foundational aspects of the equation itself.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that if E=mc² were wrong, nuclear reactors and bombs would not function, nor would the Sun operate as expected.
  • One participant questions the interpretation of E=mc², asserting that it implies light's speed is somehow limited, which others challenge.
  • Another participant clarifies that E=mc² states mass and energy equivalence without implying any specific speed for light.
  • There is a discussion about the meaning of E=mc² compared to E=hf, with some arguing that E=hf applies specifically to photons, while E=mc² is more general.
  • Concerns are raised about the implications of E=mc² being incorrect, likening it to questioning Newton's laws and their predictive power in physics.
  • One participant introduces a more general relation involving momentum, suggesting that E=mc² is only valid under certain conditions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of E=mc² being wrong, with some agreeing on its foundational role in physics while others challenge interpretations of the equation itself. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Some statements rely on specific interpretations of the equations and their applications, which may not be universally accepted. The discussion includes assumptions about the conditions under which E=mc² holds true.

What would happen if Einstien was wrong about E=MC2

  • Is there a chance that Einstien's E=MC2 is wrong?

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • What would happen if E=MC2 was wrong?

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    0
  • Poll closed .
whatzzupboy
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If E=MC2...

What would be the reprocutions if einstein's e=mc2 was found to be wrong.
 
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Neither nuclear reactors nor nuclear bombs would work. Oh, and the Sun wouldn't work either.

- Warren
 
Yea ok nuc plant and bombs along with countless other things wouldn't work but think about it E=MC2 says speed of light is equal to at best 50% the speed of light how is that be? Specialy since light is suppose to move in waves yet some how it is present in a vacume, how? Wouldn't that imply the light is some kind of organized energy?
 
E = mc2 doesn't say anything at all about light being 50% of anything -- and I have no idea what makes you think it does.

E = mc2 says that the mass and energy are equivalent; that's all. In units were c = 1 (time measured in seconds and distance measured in light-seconds, for example), the equation is just E = m.

- Warren
 
And since your poll doesn't make any sense, I have closed it.

- Warren
 
chroot said:
your poll doesn't make any sense

- Warren

Indeed =x I looked at it for like a minute before scrolling down, 'cause I thought there was something I missed =x
 
chroot said:
E = mc2 says that the mass and energy are equivalent; that's all.
IMHO - That has no meaning for me. It'd be like interpreting the equation E = hf as saying that frequency and energy are equivalent.

E0 = m0c2 says that if a body radiates energy in the amount E then its proper mass m0 will be reduced by the quantity E0/c2.

Pete
 
E = mc^2 its a general equation. E = hf its not... Its valid for a photon. It says that the energy of a photon is equivalent to its frecuency.
 
If E=MC^2 was wrong, we would not observe predictions from occurring as expected, as in chroot's example, nuclear bombs woudn't work, etc.

Einstein thought long and hard about this equation, basing it on observations and making predictions that have shown its accuracy.

It would be kind of like saying what if Newton was wrong? We couldn't calculate projectile motion or determine ahead of time how fast something will be moving when it hits the ground when dropped from a known height. If Newton was wrong would the object just float there?
 
  • #10
MiGUi said:
E = mc^2 its a general equation. E = hf its not... Its valid for a photon. It says that the energy of a photon is equivalent to its frecuency.

E=mc^2 isn't that 'general' either. It is only correct if the momentum of the object is zero. The general relation is:

[tex]E^2=m^2c^4-p^2c^2[/tex]
 

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