Relation between total energy and rest mass

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The discussion centers on the relationship between total energy, relativistic mass, and rest mass, particularly in the context of particle interactions such as proton-antiproton and electron-positron annihilations. Participants explore whether the energy produced in these annihilations directly correlates with the rest mass of the particles involved, questioning the necessity of the Higgs mechanism in explaining why particles have mass. They highlight that while energy can convert to mass and vice versa, the fundamental question of why certain particles possess mass remains unanswered. The Higgs mechanism is discussed as a potential explanation for mass generation in some particles, but its applicability to all mass-bearing particles, such as nucleons, is debated. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the complexities of mass, energy, and the theoretical frameworks that attempt to explain these phenomena.
  • #31
ZirkMan said:
From my (observable) point of view what is real is mass=energy and change in mass is change in energy (or its form). Or is there a violation of this principle in this particular case? Isn't the mass gain of the electron directly proportional to its total energy change?

What "observable"? If we use your own argument, I could turn this around and argue that this is nothing more than a mathematical construct as well! After all, the mass-energy change IS mathematical in description AND quantity. Furthermore, you buy into some classical field and not quantum field not for any physical reason, but simply based on a matter of tastes.

I think you give hand-waving argument too high of a status.

Zz.
 
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  • #32
Yes, you are right, you could say that. Maybe the problem is that I cannot imagine how the e=mc2 is compatible with this other (Higgs) concept of mass. When I make such connection and the two models will reconcile the Higgs reality will become the Reality. But until then I have to hand-wave: Help me understand it :)
 

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