E =mc2. e = hf is it different?

  • Thread starter huhjinsoo
  • Start date
In summary, the equations E=MC2 and E=hf are used to find the energy content of an object or photon, respectively. The full equation E2=M2C4+P2C2 takes into account the object's rest mass and motion to determine its energy content. This is the basis of wave-particle duality.
  • #1
huhjinsoo
15
0
e =mc2. e = hf

is it different?
than why??

..e =mc2 this only use in nuclear??
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
E=mc^2 is the rest mass of a massive particle.
That other thing over there is the energy of a photon.
 
  • #3
If you put the two together and write f=c/λ then you can rearrange
mc2 = hc/λ to give λ = h/mc
DeBroglie did precisely this to come up with his hypothesis that λ = h/momentum
Which is the basis of wave - particle duality
 
  • #4
The equation E=MC2 is used to find the energy content of some amount of mass. (Rest mass/invariant mass)

The equation E=hf is used to find the energy content a photon, where f = frequency of the photon.

Note that E=MC2 is actually part of a larger equation: E2=M2C4+P2C2, where P = momentum of the object. This allows you to find the energy content of an object based on its mass AND its motion relative to yourself.
 
  • #5
as Emilyjoint is saying, if we take 'm' to be the 'relativistic mass', then e =mc2 and e = hf are both correct for a photon.

But as Drakkith is saying, if we take 'm' to be the 'rest mass', then the full equation is E2=M2C4+P2C2 and for a photon, the rest mass is zero, so E=PC for a photon.
 

1. What is the meaning of "e =mc2"?

The equation e = mc2, also known as Einstein's famous mass-energy equivalence, states that mass (m) and energy (e) are two forms of the same thing, with the speed of light (c) being the conversion factor between them.

2. How did Einstein come up with the equation e =mc2?

Einstein developed the equation as part of his theory of special relativity in 1905. He observed that the laws of physics are the same for all observers moving at a constant velocity, and that the speed of light is the same for all observers regardless of their motion. From these principles, he derived the equation e = mc2.

3. What is the difference between e =mc2 and e = hf?

The first equation, e = mc2, relates mass and energy, while the second equation, e = hf, relates energy and frequency. The "c2" factor in the first equation represents the speed of light, while the "h" in the second equation represents Planck's constant.

4. How are e =mc2 and e = hf related?

Einstein's famous equation e = mc2 can be derived from the equation e = hf by substituting the frequency (f) with the speed of light (c) divided by the wavelength (λ). This shows the fundamental relationship between mass, energy, and frequency in the universe.

5. Is e =mc2 still relevant in modern science?

Yes, e = mc2 is still a fundamental principle in modern physics. It has been experimentally verified countless times and is used in various fields such as nuclear physics, particle physics, and astrophysics. The equation also has practical applications, such as in nuclear energy and medical imaging technology.

Similar threads

  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
67
Views
6K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
63
Views
6K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
12
Views
896
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
3
Views
1K
Back
Top