Is the Speed of Light the Ultimate Conversion Point for Energy?

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    E=mc2
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of the speed of light as a conversion point for energy, challenging Einstein's theories of special relativity. Participants argue that if the universe is expanding, the rest energy of any mass would increase, contradicting the First Law of Thermodynamics. The conversation highlights the mathematical implications of attempting to define a speed that allows for instantaneous traversal of the universe's perimeter, ultimately leading to the conclusion that such a speed approaches infinity. A resource for understanding E=mc²'s derivation is also provided.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Einstein's theory of special relativity
  • Familiarity with the First Law of Thermodynamics
  • Basic calculus concepts, particularly limits
  • Knowledge of energy-mass equivalence (E=mc²)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of the expanding universe on thermodynamic laws
  • Study advanced calculus, focusing on limits and infinity
  • Explore the derivation of E=mc² in detail
  • Investigate alternative theories to special relativity and their critiques
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of theoretical physics, and anyone interested in the implications of special relativity and the nature of energy and mass in an expanding universe.

Einstiensqd
I don't see eye to eye with einstein on this one. how is light speed the conversion point to energy. I think the conversion point for pure energy is at a speed equall to the distance to come all the way around the perimeter of the universe and not take time to do so. So, hypotheticaly speaking, you would see a blur all around the edge of the universe for less than a second.
 
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Einstein did not just concoct this equation because he felt it was pretty. This equation is derived from the two postulates of special relativity.

- Warren
 
Darn I just went off on someone for bad grammar and I just reread my last post and it is sprinkled with mistakes. Disregard the last post and read this one...

Since the Universe is expanding, the perimeter of the Universe is constantly changing; which by your reasoning, means that the rest energy of any mass is constantly increasing (because we think the universe is expanding not contracting) That, of course means the 1st Law of Thermodynamics would be broken. Besides if you try to figure out what the "speed equal to the distance to come all the way around the perimeter of the universe and not take time to do so" is you will get infinity. You are dividing a finite number (assuming the Universe is finite which makes sense otherwise how could it expand)by 0 which is basically undefined. But if we put on our calculus hats then we can more or less say it is infinity (calm down math nuts what I meant to say was that the limit as the denominator approaches 0 is infinity).

Besides Chroot is correct.
 
Hmm? Did I miss something?

Anyway, a good website on E=Mc2's derivation:
http://www.davidbodanis.com/old/r4.htm
 
Last edited by a moderator:
According to special relativity time will stop if anybody reaches the speed of light (C). If I'm right then it would take no timefor the body to go around the parametre of the universe in no time.
 

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