1. Mar 1, 2010 #1

   renerob

   

   If e=mc^2, then (e/m)1/2= either +c or -c. What is the physical meaning of minus c?

    

   renerob, Mar 1, 2010
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3. Mar 2, 2010 #2

   Matterwave

   

   Science Advisor

   Gold Member

   e=mc^2 shouldn't be used to try to find "c". "c" is a defined constant of 299792458 m/s.

    

   Matterwave, Mar 2, 2010
4. Mar 2, 2010 #3

   dreiter

   

   Mathematically -c exists, but this is a non-physical result, and is therefore ignored when using the e=mc² equation. :)

    

   dreiter, Mar 2, 2010
5. Mar 2, 2010 #4

   Nabeshin

   

   Science Advisor

   Precisely. Imagine the equation like this:
   [tex]E=m(2)^2[/tex]
   [tex] 2=\pm \sqrt{\frac{E}{m}} [/tex]
   
   Hope this clarifies.

    

   Nabeshin, Mar 2, 2010

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