Calculating e=mc^2 using foot-pounds of force

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating energy using the formula e=mc², specifically converting mass from kilograms to foot-pounds of force and then back to Newton meters. The conversion factor provided is 1 Joule equals 0.7375 foot-pounds. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding the derivation of the formula and the conversion process rather than relying solely on online calculators. A tutorial link for unit conversion is also shared to aid in the learning process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the formula e=mc²
  • Knowledge of unit conversions between Joules, foot-pounds, and Newton meters
  • Basic familiarity with mass and energy concepts
  • Ability to perform mathematical calculations involving conversions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation of e=mc² in detail
  • Learn about unit conversion techniques, specifically from foot-pounds to Newton meters
  • Explore the implications of energy calculations in different measurement systems
  • Practice converting energy values using both metric and imperial units
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Students, educators, and anyone interested in physics, particularly those looking to deepen their understanding of energy calculations and unit conversions.

markteller
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I have seen the on-line calculators, but would like to see how the formula works in full detail. I have seen the kilograms / meters / second example already.

The second part of the question is, what is the actual formula for converting foot pounds of force to Newton meters? Again, the actual details.

Thanks...
 
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markteller said:
I have seen the on-line calculators, but would like to see how the formula works in full detail. I have seen the kilograms / meters / second example already.

The second part of the question is, what is the actual formula for converting foot pounds of force to Newton meters? Again, the actual details.

Thanks...

What sort of details are you looking for? For the first part, if you just want to calculate the rest energy, then you plug in ##m## and ##c## and get a number. Deriving the formula requires a bit more effort and can be found easily online. If you choose to meters, kilograms, seconds, then you get the energy in Joules. If you want it in ft*lbs then you use the conversion factor. According to the all powerful google, it is ##1\ J=0.7375ft\cdot lbs##.

If you wanted to, you could multiply the individual conversion factors to get there. That is, the conversion meters to feet and Newtons to lbs (of force) and get the same number.

Is this what you are asking about or did I misunderstand your question.
 
Thanks!

I am looking to convert 1 kilogram of mass into foot-pounds using e=mc^2 and without any unnecessary conversions. I want to see how the final number is arrived at.

I then want to see how foot-pounds are converted back to Newton meters, which are more typical for e=mc^2. Again, I know there are online calculators, but they don't educate the mind :)
 
In the spirit of teaching a man how to fish versus simply giving him a fish, it looks like you might benefit from a tutorial on "how to convert units". :smile: Here's the first one I found with a Google search on that phrase:

http://oakroadsystems.com/math/convert.htm

Then try to do the conversion yourself, show us the details and the result, and we can give you hints for correcting it if necessary.
 
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