Radiation energy of a moving particle

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the nature of radiation energy in moving particles, particularly focusing on the implications of relativity for mass, energy, and the speed of light. Participants explore concepts related to mass-energy equivalence, the behavior of massive versus massless particles, and the foundational principles of physics that govern these phenomena.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question where the mass-energy of a moving electron originates and whether this challenges conservation laws.
  • Others assert that with relativity, mass and energy are aspects of the same entity, leading to a conservation of mass-energy rather than just energy.
  • There is a discussion about the work required to accelerate an object and how this relates to kinetic energy and mass in both relativistic and non-relativistic contexts.
  • Some participants express confusion about why massive objects cannot reach the speed of light while massless objects can, suggesting a deeper relationship between mass and energy.
  • One participant discourages the use of the term "relativistic mass," arguing that it complicates the understanding of the concepts involved.
  • There is a contention regarding the validity of the equation E = mc², with some asserting it is not universally applicable while others argue it holds in specific contexts.
  • Participants discuss the implications of massless particles and why they cannot travel slower than light, with references to kinematic constraints.
  • Some express frustration over the lack of deeper interpretations of why light is measured the same speed across all inertial reference frames, suggesting this is crucial for a comprehensive understanding.
  • There are challenges to the foundational laws of physics, questioning their absolute correctness and the reasoning behind them.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach consensus on several key points, including the interpretation of mass-energy equivalence, the implications of relativistic mass, and the foundational principles governing the speed of light. Multiple competing views remain, particularly regarding the nature of mass and energy in the context of relativity.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions hinge on the definitions of mass and energy, and the assumptions underlying the laws of physics. There are unresolved questions about the interpretation of equations and the physical phenomena they describe.

  • #61


Originally posted by Jwprox
If only we could explain the whole of physics using monkeys and bananas.

You can quote me on that.
 
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  • #62
Originally posted by raptor5618
I read this thread with a great deal of amazement. To think that someone would ask a question, get an answer and then say that's not it stupid is just a bad joke. Ok maybe the answer did not seem right but they did not counter it with reasons for feeling they were wrong and in some cases just saying why which is very much like a child. A discussion does not include ridicule or personal insults. To ask for help and receive it only to personally put down the person trying to help shows that this person is totally without class.

I have to agree with you. I read this article with complete shock. There were so many people in this article who tried to help answer Tenzin's question. He, however, rejected the help because it was not in the right format. Others tried and were shot down as well, even though they meant good intentions. These people were taking time out of their day to try to explain concepts, and they should at least deserve at least some respect. When I don't understand something, I accept all the help I can get, whether it be mathematical or philisophical-ish concepts. Its kind of a shame when these discussions turn into flame wars.
 
  • #63
Tenzin on renormalization:

Originally posted by tenzin

Don't worry your level of math does not impress me. I know more than I have let on. I learned QED renormalization in about 15 minutes of reading a book I just picked up off the shelf.

Tenzin on why the speed of light is invariant:

Originally posted by tenzin
Lethe had nothing to do with my thinking. I have been considering this for over 10 years.

i especially liked how it takes him 15 minutes to learn renormalization (which is a pretty hard subject!), but after 10 years of thought, he still can't grasp special relativity (which is not very hard!)

but yeah, i agree with your sentiments. i was quite shocked when i spent time on what i thought were informative and helpful comments, only to be insulted and accused of ignorance.

just imagine, this guy is a teacher!
 
  • #64
Originally posted by tenzin

The electron is a particle. It is not a wave because something can not be both.

Well I was diffracting some electrons the other day and when I turned up the accelerating Potential , the diffraction increased... How do particles do that then?

An electron may perhaps not 'be both' but that doesn't mean it must be a particle either!
 
  • #65
I found the following particularly amusing, in re: learning renormalization:

Any person who inderstands the probability of coin flips can understand QED.

Apparently he didn't catch the fact that renormalization really has nothing to do with probability, showing a bit of confusion with the notion of probabilitic dynamics (basic quantum mechanics) and convergent Feynman integrals...

Also, anyone who claims to be an excellent teacher -- and in the same breath calls their audience stupid -- is really demonstrating their true colors.
 

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