E=mc^2, Gravitational Potential & Energy Balance

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between gravitational potential energy and mass-energy equivalence as described by Einstein's equation E=mc^2. It clarifies that gravitational potential energy arises not merely from mass but from the energy-momentum tensor in the framework of general relativity (GR). The conversation emphasizes that mass and energy are equivalent, thus altering the traditional view of gravity as solely a function of mass. Participants conclude that understanding these concepts requires a solid grasp of general relativity.

PREREQUISITES
  • General relativity (GR) principles
  • Energy-momentum tensor
  • Mass-energy equivalence (E=mc^2)
  • Classical mechanics concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the energy-momentum tensor in general relativity
  • Explore the differences between classical mechanics and general relativity
  • Investigate gravitational potential energy in various contexts
  • Learn about the experimental validations of mass-energy equivalence
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of theoretical physics, and anyone interested in the interplay between gravity and energy in the context of general relativity.

CaptainSlog
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If two masses that are separated by a distance are created from pure energy using the equation E=mc^2, where did the gravitational potential energy between them come from? Does this mean the speed of light isn't really constant, and must be changed very slightly to accommodate it? Could it be that gravity itself is necessary to balance energy?
 
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You are mixing two concepts that do not really go together, namely gravitational potential, which is a concept from classical mechanics, and mass energy equivalence, which is a concept from relativity.

In order to make sense of this, you need to apply general relativity. In GR, mass is not the source of gravitation. Instead, the energy-momentum tensor is and any type of energy is therefore a gravitational source. It is not that you can simply create a new gravitational source out of nothing.
 
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OK, thanks. I had always assumed gravity was due to mass, but if mass and energy are equivalent then that makes sense.
 

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