Visualizing Mass Acceleration to Speed of Light: Is E=mc^2?

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    E=mc^2
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the visualization of mass acceleration approaching the speed of light and its relationship to the equation E=mc². Participants explore theoretical representations and implications of this relationship, touching on concepts of energy, mass, and acceleration within the framework of relativity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a 3D visualization of mass acceleration as an upside-down parabola, suggesting that this could intuitively explain E=mc².
  • Another participant expresses difficulty in understanding the initial visualization and requests clarification.
  • A participant argues that the proposed visualization serves as an intuitive approach to E=mc², similar to how a sine wave can be represented in 3D.
  • One participant asserts that E=mc² is a special case applicable only to mass at rest, introducing the complete equation E² = (pc)² + (mc²)² for moving mass.
  • Another participant questions the characterization of E=mc² as a special case, suggesting it is merely a simplification of the complete equation.
  • A later reply challenges the relevance of the complete equation to the core discussion, emphasizing the interrelatedness of energy and mass rather than its application to moving objects.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the completeness and applicability of E=mc² versus the more general equation E² = (pc)² + (mc²)². There is no consensus on the validity of the proposed visualization or its implications for understanding the relationship between mass and energy.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of mathematical understanding, which may affect their interpretations of the concepts discussed. The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of mass and energy in relativistic contexts, which remain unresolved.

bizzder
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A long time ago I visualized mass accelerated to the speed of light(or theoretical maximum to this speed) as an upside-down parabola touching the y=0 line.

Now, today I thought of the following:

if you would represent a certain parabola(equation according to ^2 of the mass/energy ratio required) in 3d (not a cone) (maximum at y=0), and place the surface of a circle ∏r^2 within that '3d parabola' (horizontally) and move this circle upward towards the y=0, until ∏r^2 'within' the 3d parabola reaches y=0 ( so, ∏r^2) 'within' the 3d parabola = 0 = maximum acceleration to the point of black hole formation = 'point of black hole maximum mass' = speed of light limit ).

And, ∏r^2 'within' 3d parabola moves downward so that ∏r^2 'within' 3d parabola = infinite = no mass = no acceleration (according to E=m(c)^2)

Is it so that these '2 infinite limits'(infinite energy required and infinite ∏r^2) define the E? so that the above explanation is equal to M(c)^2? If so, what would the formula be for this 'system? (non simplified, that is all possible positions of 'horizontal ∏r^2 within 3d parabola' equation)


I was intrigued when I read about Einsteins discovery that gravity is equal to acceleration (with equal consequences), so after some thinking I came up with the story above. Is it flawed?? as you can see, my math skills are VERY basic, but I think it should be simple to understand with some visualization.
 
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I couldn't follow what you were saying ... so I suggest that _you_ provide the visualization.

I'm not even sure what your point is!
 
My point is that this visualization is a kind of intuitive approach to E=mc^2.

Just like a sine wave can be represented in 3d. (like a spring stretched out, from the side it will look like a sine wave). By using trigonometry within this structure, it is easier/more intuitive doing sine calculations.

Similarly, I believe, E=mc^2 can be explained more intuitively with the explanation above, But I only have basic college math skills, so I suck at explaining it.
 
E=mc^2 isn't even the complete equation ... it is the special case of a mass at rest. If it is moving you need

E^2 = (pc)^2 + (mc^2)^2

You might this "Minute Physics" video:
 
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How come is it a 'special case'? Isn't E=mc^2 simply the acceleration and kinetic energy part taken out of E^2 = (pc)^2 + (mc^2)^2? It doesn't really change my question
 
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Nope. For clarification, watch the video.
 
The video only confuses things; The core issue is relativistic E=mc^2. Great video for unique hits (there's more to e=mc^2 guys!) but they don't seem to get it themselves.

E^2 = (pc)^2 + (mc^2)^2 is about mass @ certain speed, which adds extra mass into the equation that is arbitrary, it's a side track not important to the core E=mc^2. This must be about mass-issues of things like photons (mass or no mass) In that case, to clarify things, E^2 = (pc)^2 + (mc^2)^2 could be needed.

My question was about the interrelated-ness of energy/mass, not how it should be applied to objects.
 

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