Einstein's E=mc2 'was Italian's idea'?

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In summary, it has been claimed that the famous equation E=mc2, which ushered in the atomic age, was actually discovered by an unknown Italian dilettante named Olinto De Pretto in 1903, two years before Albert Einstein used it in developing the theory of relativity. However, it is also noted that Einstein had written down the equation and thought of its consequences several years prior to its publication in 1905. Additionally, Einstein's work on the photoelectric effect has had a significant impact on our day-to-day lives.
  • #1
Carlos Hernandez
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Is this true?

Einstein's E=mc2 'was Italian's idea'
Rory Carroll in Rome
Thursday November 11, 1999
The Guardian

The mathematical equation that ushered in the atomic age was discovered by an unknown Italian dilettante two years before Albert Einstein used it in developing the theory of relativity, it was claimed yesterday.

Olinto De Pretto, an industrialist from Vicenza, published the equation E=mc2 in a scientific magazine, Atte, in 1903, said Umberto Bartocci, a mathematical historian.

Complete text at http://www.guardian.co.uk/print/0,3858,3928978-103681,00.html
 
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  • #2
Ah, but how did he DERIVE it? Just the equation alone is good enough for newspapers and newbies, but reasons are what the rest of us go by.
 
  • #3
Also, E=mc^2 was not used in the development of relativity, it was discovered as a consequence of the theory itself. Gah, newspapers always get this sort of thing wrong. I guess the general public thinks that Einstein said "E=mc^2? Yeah, baby, that seems about right. I think I'm going to publish that one!"

I think Gary Larson once made a cartoon about it, with Einstein standing in front of a blackboard covered in attempts like E=mc^19 and E=mc^4. His mom (or wife?) was dusting the room, and saying "yep, it's all squaaaaared away in here. Squaaaaared away."

- Warren
 
  • #4
Actually, much of Special relativity is similar to prior ether based theories. Time and space contractions would be identical 'apparent' time and space contractions in ether theories except for additional accounthing for ether wind.

There are divergent predictions, but the math doesn't really change that much.

The really interesting thing about SR is that it provides a model for a constant speed of light. "E=mc2" is popular because it has interesting philosophical implications, and because it's easy to explain.

Notably, although Einstein is primarily famous for Special and General Relativity, his work on the photoelectric effect is what he received his Nobel prize for, and has also had a much more significant effect on our day-to-day lives since it is associated with Lasers and LEDs.
 
  • #5
SPS students often play a game: try to find an area of science that Einstein didn't influence. It's actually really hard to do!

- Warren
 
  • #6
Originally posted by Carlos Hernandez
Is this true?

Einstein's E=mc2 'was Italian's idea'
Rory Carroll in Rome
Thursday November 11, 1999
The Guardian

The mathematical equation that ushered in the atomic age was discovered by an unknown Italian dilettante two years before Albert Einstein used it in developing the theory of relativity, it was claimed yesterday.

Olinto De Pretto, an industrialist from Vicenza, published the equation E=mc2 in a scientific magazine, Atte, in 1903, said Umberto Bartocci, a mathematical historian.

Complete text at http://www.guardian.co.uk/print/0,3858,3928978-103681,00.html

Actually it is well known that Einstien has written the Equation down some years earlier(at least 3/4yrs) prior to his publication 1905.

The term of the equation was thought out by Einstein early 1900s, but he needed to further its consequences. This is well documented.
 
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  • #7
Originally posted by chroot
SPS students often play a game:

what are SPS students?
 
  • #8
Society of Physics Students

- Warren
 

FAQ: Einstein's E=mc2 'was Italian's idea'?

What is the significance of Einstein's E=mc2?

E=mc2 is a famous equation in physics that describes the relationship between mass and energy. It states that energy (E) is equal to mass (m) multiplied by the speed of light squared (c2). This equation is significant because it revolutionized our understanding of the universe and led to breakthroughs in nuclear energy and the development of atomic weapons.

Why is there controversy surrounding the origin of E=mc2?

There is controversy surrounding the origin of E=mc2 because some people believe that it was not Einstein who first came up with the equation, but an Italian physicist named Olinto De Pretto. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim and the majority of the scientific community still attributes the equation to Einstein.

What evidence supports the claim that E=mc2 was an Italian's idea?

The only evidence that supports the claim that E=mc2 was an Italian's idea is a paper written by De Pretto in 1903, which discusses the concept of mass-energy equivalence. However, this paper was never published in a scientific journal and there is no record of Einstein ever seeing or referencing it. Additionally, Einstein's theory of relativity, which E=mc2 is a part of, was published in 1905, two years after De Pretto's paper.

How did Einstein come up with E=mc2?

Einstein came up with E=mc2 through his theory of special relativity, which he developed by studying the work of other scientists and conducting thought experiments. He realized that mass and energy are not separate entities, but are in fact interchangeable and can be converted into one another according to the speed of light.

Why is it important to give credit to the correct person for E=mc2?

Giving credit to the correct person for E=mc2 is important because it recognizes the hard work and contributions of scientists, and it ensures that future discoveries and advancements are properly attributed. It also helps to maintain the integrity and accuracy of scientific knowledge and history.

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