E=mc2 How did Einstein get to this equation?

In summary, Einstein's famous equation E=mc2 came from his theory of special relativity and has its roots in the relationship between energy and mass. The equation is based on the idea that mass and energy are interchangeable and can be converted into one another. The reason why E=mc2 and not F=mc2 is because E represents energy, while F represents force, and the two are not interchangeable. To further understand the concept of E=mc2 and its implications, it is recommended to read about it in a book rather than solely relying on online forums.
  • #1
Zac Einstein
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How did Einstein get to this equation?...I mean the math behind it and why E=mc2? why not F=mc2? we can get so much force from m*c2 right? but why did Einstein write E=mc2? :smile:
 
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  • #3
Here is Einstein's original paper on the topic, which is actually pretty readable: http://fourmilab.ch/etexts/einstein/E_mc2/www/

Of course there's no particular reason that we have to go about things exactly the same way as Einstein. There are various ways of getting this result.

In general, you're not well advised to try to learn relativity from scratch simply by posting questions on this forum. You need a book to present things in an organized way. Some good books about special relativity are (from easiest to hardest):

Takeuchi, An Illustrated Guide to Relativity
Mermin, It's About Time: Understanding Einstein's Relativity
Taylor and Wheeler, Spacetime Physics

The advantage of Takeuchi and Mermin is that they require very little background in math or physics. Their disadvantage is a total lack of connection to experiment.
 
  • #5
bcrowell said:
Here is Einstein's original paper on the topic, which is actually pretty readable: http://fourmilab.ch/etexts/einstein/E_mc2/www/

Of course there's no particular reason that we have to go about things exactly the same way as Einstein. There are various ways of getting this result.

In general, you're not well advised to try to learn relativity from scratch simply by posting questions on this forum. You need a book to present things in an organized way. Some good books about special relativity are (from easiest to hardest):

Takeuchi, An Illustrated Guide to Relativity
Mermin, It's About Time: Understanding Einstein's Relativity
Taylor and Wheeler, Spacetime Physics

The advantage of Takeuchi and Mermin is that they require very little background in math or physics. Their disadvantage is a total lack of connection to experiment.


You're right sir :smile:
I want to know everything but not in an organized way :smile:
Thank you :rolleyes:
 
  • #6
Zac Einstein said:
How did Einstein get to this equation?...I mean the math behind it and why E=mc2? why not F=mc2? we can get so much force from m*c2 right? but why did Einstein write E=mc2? :smile:

By the way, F = mc^2 makes no sense. The right hand side is a unit of energy, the left is a unit of force. In fact, once you read up on it a little, you'll see that E = mc^2 applies to an object just sitting there - it has an inherent energy associated with it just by existing. Talking about forces in that context is like asking how much speed I can get out of a car that has no wheels.
 

1. What does the equation E=mc2 mean?

The equation E=mc2 represents the relationship between energy (E), mass (m), and the speed of light (c). It shows that energy and mass are interchangeable and that a small amount of mass can release a large amount of energy.

2. How did Einstein come up with this equation?

Einstein developed this equation as part of his theory of special relativity. He was inspired by the work of other scientists, such as James Clerk Maxwell and Isaac Newton, and conducted thought experiments and mathematical calculations to arrive at this groundbreaking equation.

3. What is the significance of E=mc2?

E=mc2 is one of the most famous and influential equations in modern physics. It revolutionized our understanding of energy, mass, and their relationship, and is the basis for many scientific advancements, such as nuclear energy and atomic bombs.

4. Is E=mc2 always true?

Yes, E=mc2 is a fundamental law of physics and has been extensively tested and proven to be true in various experiments. However, it is important to note that this equation only applies to objects that are not moving and do not have any potential energy.

5. How does E=mc2 impact our daily lives?

E=mc2 has had a profound impact on our daily lives, as it is the foundation for technologies such as nuclear power and medical imaging. It also continues to be a subject of scientific research and has the potential to unlock new discoveries and innovations in the future.

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