Derivation of E=Mc2? For the common man

[jonatron5]

Ok this is perhaps the single most famous equation known to man. And I have basically zero idea how it came to be. I have a slight background in classical physics (a couple college classes)

I know it states that energy is equal to mass multiplied by the speed of light squared.

I have tried to read online postings on it but have been unable to follow.

So is it possible to get a step by step derivation of this equation so that even a lay person could understand it?

 

[fresh_42]

Have you read this one: http://www.emc2-explained.info/Emc2/Derive.htm ?
I find Einstein's derivation to be the easiest to understand.

 

[LevLandau]

by the momentum of a particle we can mean the vector p=∂L/∂v, p=mv/√1-v^2/c^2, for small velocities this expression goes over into the classical p=mv. for v=c the momentum becomes infinite. after dp/dt=m/√1-v^2/c^2×dv/dt, if the velocity changes only in magnitude, that is, if the force is parallel to the velocity, dp/dt=m/(1-v^2/c^2)^1/2+dv/dt. the energy of the particle - E=p×v-L, then E=mc^2/√1-v^2/c^2, v=0 ⇒ E=mc^2

 

[SiennaTheGr8]

Here's Einstein's original derivation in translation: https://www.fourmilab.ch/etexts/einstein/E_mc2/www/

To make sense of it, you have to either accept the relativistic Doppler equation he invokes or seek out a derivation of that, first. I like this one: https://www.lsw.uni-heidelberg.de/users/mcamenzi/DopplerAberration.pdf (though you'll need to be comfortable with the basics of special relativity, especially the Lorentz transformation).