Does it mean that as you increase the energy of a particle

In summary, the equation E=m_0 c^2 represents the relationship between energy and mass, with the speed of light being a crucial factor. This equation is a result of Einstein's theory of special relativity, which states that the speed of light is constant in all inertial reference frames. This equation is often used to explain the concept of relativistic mass, but this idea is no longer widely accepted. It does not mean that mass can be converted into energy, but rather suggests that energy and mass are two forms of the same thing.
  • #1
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Does it mean that as you increase the energy of a particle, its mass will increase? Or, that for any given particle there is a certain container of certain mass/energy and part of that quantity is allocated to energy and the other to mass. In the latter case, could you not make a transistor out of this where you encode 0/1 states to certain mass/energy distributions?

On an simple, intuitive level (I'm a physics layman):

Why does it happen to be related by exactly the speed of light squared?

How does this equation follow from the simple statement: The speed of light is the same in all inertial reference frames?
 
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  • #2


The equation comes in the form
[tex]
E=\frac{m_0 c^2}{\sqrt{1-\left(\frac{v}{c}\right)^2}}
[/tex]
When things aren't moving, or are moving slowly this just becomes [itex]E=m_0 c^2[/itex]. In general, it was considered as an answer to the question: "Does the inertia of a body, depend upon it's energy content?" But the idea of relativistic mass, mass that changes depending on velocity, is no longer in vogue.
 
  • #3


WIKIPEDIA said:
Mass–energy equivalence does not imply that mass may be "converted" to energy, and indeed implies the opposite.

answers the first question
 

Related to Does it mean that as you increase the energy of a particle

1. What is the relationship between particle energy and velocity?

The energy of a particle is directly proportional to its velocity. As the energy of a particle increases, its velocity also increases. This is described by the equation E = 1/2 mv^2, where E is energy, m is mass, and v is velocity.

2. How does increasing particle energy affect its mass?

Increasing the energy of a particle does not affect its mass. Mass is an intrinsic property of a particle and remains constant regardless of its energy level.

3. Does increasing particle energy change its quantum state?

Yes, increasing the energy of a particle can change its quantum state. This is because a particle's energy level is one of the determining factors for its quantum state. However, other factors such as spin and angular momentum also play a role.

4. What happens when a particle reaches maximum energy?

When a particle reaches its maximum energy, it can undergo various reactions and transformations, such as emitting radiation or splitting into smaller particles. This is known as the particle's energy threshold or energy barrier.

5. How does increasing particle energy affect its behavior in a magnetic field?

Increasing the energy of a particle can affect its behavior in a magnetic field. Higher energy particles may have a stronger response to the magnetic field, causing them to curve more or experience a different type of force. This is seen in particle accelerators, where increasing energy levels can manipulate the particles' trajectory in a magnetic field.

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