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

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter markteller
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    E=mc^2 Force
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of energy using the formula e=mc², specifically focusing on converting units from foot-pounds of force to Newton meters. Participants express a desire to understand the detailed workings of the formula and the conversion process without relying on online calculators.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a detailed derivation of e=mc² and how to calculate energy in foot-pounds from mass.
  • Another participant suggests that deriving the formula requires effort and can be found online, while providing a conversion factor between Joules and foot-pounds.
  • A different participant expresses a desire to see the final number for converting 1 kilogram of mass into foot-pounds using e=mc² without unnecessary conversions.
  • One participant offers a tutorial link on unit conversion and encourages the original poster to attempt the conversion themselves for better understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the best approach to derive the energy calculation or the unit conversion process. Multiple viewpoints on how to handle the calculations and conversions remain present.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the need for specific conversion factors and the potential complexity of deriving the formula, indicating that assumptions about familiarity with unit conversions may vary.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in understanding energy calculations, unit conversions, and the application of e=mc² in different measurement systems.

markteller
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
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...
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

High School The relationship between mc^2 and mc^2 x 1/2
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Undergrad Need a practical example of E=mc^2 with real numbers
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Deriving e=mc^2, how is it possible?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
High School Solving E=mc^2: What Units to Use?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
6K
Undergrad Uncovering a Decent Proof of E=mc^2
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Undergrad Coulomb's law taken to the extreme
  • · Replies 44 ·
2
Replies
44
Views
4K
Undergrad I'm calculating more energy out than I put in
  • · Replies 138 ·
5
Replies
138
Views
9K
Jackhammer on Vehicle Suspension, Unsprung Mass, Tire patch load
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
Calculating the Planck Length
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
(Magnetism) Magnetic pull force on a steel ball
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K