C = √ (E/m) We can determine c

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the equation C = √(E/m) and its implications for determining the speed of light (c) through energy and mass measurements. Participants highlight that c² serves as the proportionality constant between mass and energy, emphasizing that mass and energy cannot be arbitrarily divided. The conversation also touches on practical methods for measuring energy in mass, such as weighing a mass in a gravitational field and using an anti-calorimeter to measure energy accurately.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Einstein's mass-energy equivalence principle
  • Familiarity with gravitational fields and mass measurement techniques
  • Knowledge of energy measurement methods, specifically using anti-calorimeters
  • Basic grasp of physics concepts related to speed of light and its constants
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of Einstein's mass-energy equivalence
  • Learn about the operation and applications of anti-calorimeters
  • Study methods for measuring gravitational forces on small masses
  • Explore advanced topics in relativistic physics and the speed of light
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, engineering students, and anyone interested in the fundamental principles of mass-energy relationships and the speed of light measurement techniques.

ebodet18
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If this is true why can't we just find an energy divided by a very small mass, square root it and that's what the speed of light equals for that object?
 
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We can not because c^{2} is the proportionality constant between mass and energy. One can not just find mass and energy in any ratio.
 
Last edited:
No problem. Just tell us how you would go about accurately measuring the amount of energy in the mass.
 
Let's have fun with this. Weigh a small mass in a known gravitational field; you've got m. Inject slowly (vanishing KE) into an anti-calorimeter; you've got 2E.

You can buy anti-calorimeters from the same store that sells 1 light year Born rigid rods, frictionless surfaces, rigid massless shells, etc.
 

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