Einstein's E=mc^2 equation -- question....

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    E=mc^2
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of Einstein's equation E=mc², particularly in the context of particles traveling at the speed of light. Participants explore theoretical scenarios, the nature of energy and momentum, and the conceptual boundaries of physics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests manipulating the equations for energy and momentum for a particle traveling at the speed of light, questioning the nature of energy and where the "other half" of kinetic energy might reside.
  • Another participant asserts that particles with mass cannot travel at the speed of light, challenging the initial premise.
  • A participant expresses a desire to explore theoretical scenarios despite the established rules of physics, prompting a response that emphasizes the importance of adhering to those rules.
  • One participant proposes a speculative idea that space might create energy through a spring-like mechanism, indicating a willingness to think outside conventional frameworks.
  • Another participant encourages maintaining a spirit of exploration while also considering historical perspectives in physics.
  • A later post clarifies that E=mc² applies to objects at rest and introduces a more comprehensive equation relating energy, momentum, and mass.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit disagreement regarding the theoretical exploration of particles traveling at the speed of light, with some asserting that such discussions are not permissible under current physical laws. There is no consensus on the speculative ideas presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of understanding and familiarity with the concepts discussed, indicating that some assumptions about mass, energy, and momentum may not be fully articulated or agreed upon.

Felix Quintana
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Let's say we have a particle traveling at the speed of light, energy would be E=mc^2, momentum would be then p=mc, let's manipulate, m=E/c^2, momentum would then be p=E/c, but what energy does that equal, the particle only has kinetic energy correct? Then it would be p=1/2mc. Where is the other half?! In spring or gravitational?
 
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Partices with mass don't travel with speed of light.
 
Oh yeaaaah I was told that before, I forgot, but can we say what if theoretically ?
 
No we can't.
 
Felix Quintana said:
Oh yeaaaah I was told that before, I forgot, but can we say what if theoretically ?
No, That's asking "What would the rules be if I were allowed to break the rules?"
 
Interesting. Thank you very much sir... This, and all my abundant amount of strands.
 
Janus said:
No, That's asking "What would the rules be if I were allowed to break the rules?"
Finally someone who speaks my language.
 
I think, excuse me though, for I am a amateur, wild idea, but what if space creates the other half through spring, as if space is a flat plane but spring like, and it created the energy, I also think of the same thing with gravity and so one... I sometimes create hypothesizes and later find out I am correct, but not always...Think crazy outside the box ideas.:wink:
 
Keep that spirit, but pay some attention to what others have thought out over the ages too !
 
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I'm usually beat to the punch! Especially members of the golden age and on.
 
  • #11
Know the feeling :wink: , been there too !
 
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  • #12
Felix Quintana said:
Let's say we have a particle traveling at the speed of light, energy would be E=mc^2
E=mc^2 is the formula for an object at rest (p=0). The full formula (in units where c=1) is E^2-p^2=m^2. So if p=E then m=0.
 
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