What does T represent in mc^2 equation?

[ZedCar]

I have an equation which states;

T = mc^2 - m0c^2

I know kinetic energy equals this same equation. Does T also represent kinetic energy in this equation? If so, why has the letter T been used?

Thanks

 

[daveb]

Some books use T for kinetic and U for potential energy, whereas other books use different conventions.

 

[ZedCar]

Is there any particular reason for the letter T?

Does it represent translational kinetic energy?

 

[Delphi51]

Kinetic energy is E = ½mv² and may be called by other letters, but E = mc² could only be Einstein's formula for the energy obtained from converting mass m into energy in some kind of nuclear reaction. Here c is the speed of light. I have never seen it called T. Sounds like a misprint.

 

[SammyS]

I have an equation which states;

T = mc^2 - m0c^2

I know kinetic energy equals this same equation. Does T also represent kinetic energy in this equation? If so, why has the letter T been used?

Thanks

It's very common for Classical Mechanics textbooks to use the upper case letter T for kinetic energy.

 

[cupid.callin]

It's very common for Classical Mechanics textbooks to use the upper case letter T for kinetic energy.

Well that's new ... I've normally have seen K for that

But again i haven't read too many books