Is E=mc^2 Fully Proven or Still Up for Debate?

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    E=mc^2
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the validity and completeness of the equation E=mc², particularly in relation to the claim that M=E/c² must also be proven for E=mc² to be fully established. Participants explore the implications of these equations and whether experimental evidence exists to support them.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that E=mc² is proven and that M=E/c² follows from basic algebraic manipulation.
  • Others contend that without experimental proof of M=E/c², the completeness of E=mc² is in question.
  • One participant suggests that the ability to convert matter into energy supports the validity of E=mc², while noting that the reverse process is not as straightforward.
  • Another participant references the work at major particle accelerators as evidence supporting the relationship described by E=mc².
  • A participant cites the sun as a continuous proof of E=mc², implying that natural phenomena validate the equation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the necessity of proving M=E/c² for E=mc² to be considered fully proven. While some assert that E=mc² is established, others maintain that the lack of proof for M=E/c² leaves the matter unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for experimental evidence and the implications of definitions related to rest mass and rest energy, but do not resolve these issues.

your_friend
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so this guy who says he's a computer science major said this.

"E=MC^2 but for rigor you must prove and demonstrate M=E/C^2 as well of your proof to be complete.".

and because of that he says E=mc^2 is not fully proven.

inputs?. is he right or wrong?.

thanks.
 
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What?

If E = MC2, then M=E/C2 through basic algebraic manipulation - one implies the other.
 


I believe he is mistaken. I'm not sure where to look, but I am almost certain E=MC^2 has been proven.
 


he says E=mc^2 is proven.

but there is no proof(experiment) of M=E/C^2, so its not fully proved to be true.

we can turn matter into energy but not vice versa.

something like that.
 


your_friend said:
he says E=mc^2 is proven.

but there is no proof(experiment) of M=E/C^2, so its not fully proved to be true.

we can turn matter into energy but not vice versa.

something like that.

Might want to ask those people at CERN what they think they're doing then. Pair production anyone?
 


your_friend said:
he says E=mc^2 is proven.

but there is no proof(experiment) of M=E/C^2, so its not fully proved to be true.

we can turn matter into energy but not vice versa.

something like that.

I'm sorry but this is nonsense. The person in post #2 had it right. The equation you are referring to describes the relationship between the rest mass and the rest energy of a particle (meaning the energy it has even when it is not moving -- in other words, the energy that it has simply by virtue of having mass).
 


your_friend said:
he says E=mc^2 is proven.

but there is no proof(experiment) of M=E/C^2, so its not fully proved to be true.

we can turn matter into energy but not vice versa.

something like that.

There is plenty of proof. Any of the work at the major particle accelerators around the world would easily demonstrate this.
 


Just look at the sun, it is a continuous proof of E=mc^2.
 

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