Is the Proof of E=mc² Valid for Accelerating Objects in Special Relativity?

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The discussion centers on the validity of the proof for E=mc² when applied to accelerating objects within the framework of Special Relativity (SR). It is noted that while SR is traditionally confined to inertial frames, the proof presented involves work done on an accelerating object, raising questions about its correctness. Participants clarify that the proof is valid as it uses an inertial reference frame, despite the object's acceleration. The term "relativistic mass" is debated, with some arguing it is obsolete and advocating for the use of rest mass instead. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the complexities of applying relativistic principles to non-inertial scenarios while emphasizing the foundational role of rest mass in energy-mass equivalence.
  • #31
pc2-brazil said:
OK, I was forgetting about centripetal acceleration.

Vector calculus is a very powerful tool in obtaining the most general solutions. This is why I mentioned that the solution I provided is much more general than the one you found. Where did you find iit? What book?
 
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  • #32
starthaus said:
Vector calculus is a very powerful tool in obtaining the most general solutions. This is why I mentioned that the solution I provided is much more general than the one you found. Where did you find iit? What book?
Actually, I found it in an online video: http://www.youtube.com/user/matmania1#p/c/7E2FA65CB78B54B0/14/4cS5qvNJJmA". This video is in Portuguese.
My knowledge is somewhat fragmented, since I'm not following a course (just so you have an idea, I've learned the substitution method in integration for the first time today in order to understand a particular step in your derivation). I'm learning from what the Internet has to offer. This forum is a very helpful resource.
 
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  • #33
pc2-brazil said:
Actually, I found it in an online video: http://www.youtube.com/user/matmania1#p/c/7E2FA65CB78B54B0/14/4cS5qvNJJmA". This video is in Portuguese.
My knowledge is somewhat fragmented, since I'm not following a course. I'm learning from what the Internet has to offer. This forum is a very helpful resource.

If I may suggest an internet source, find C.Moller's book on relativity (The Theory of Relativity). It is very good, a model of rigor and it is...free. I think that it is one of the best, most complete books written on the subject. It covers both SR and GR.
 
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  • #34
starthaus said:
If I may suggest an internet source, find C.Moller's book on relativity (The Theory of Relativity). It is very good, a model of rigor and it is...free. I think that it is one of the best, most complete books written on the subject. It covers both SR and GR.

Thank you for the suggestion, I will have a look.
By the way: you've answered to my reply so fast that you may haven't noticed the edition I made.
 
  • #35
Also this reference:

http://www.fourmilab.ch/etexts/einstein/E_mc2/www/"
 
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  • #36
Dickfore said:
Also this reference:

http://www.fourmilab.ch/etexts/einstein/E_mc2/www/"

Thank you too.
 
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