E=mc^2 Proof: Is it OK? - Adam Aulton

  • Thread starter Thread starter Redstart
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    E=mc^2 Proof
Click For Summary
The discussion centers on the validity of Adam Aulton's reasoning regarding E=mc^2, which is based on Einstein's thought experiment. While the argument suggests that energy confined in a box contributes to its rest mass, it does not conclusively prove E=mc^2 as a universally applicable equation. Participants acknowledge the reasoning's validity for energy and momentum conservation but emphasize that this does not equate to a definitive proof of the equation itself. The nuances of interpreting Einstein's principles are highlighted, indicating a need for further exploration. Overall, the conversation reflects a critical examination of the relationship between energy, mass, and Einstein's famous equation.
Physics news on Phys.org
I don't know that I would call it a "proof", exactly, but the reasoning described in the post, which is based on a well-known thought experiment of Einstein's, is valid, at least as far as establishing that the energy of radiation confined in a box must contribute to the rest mass of the box in order for energy and momentum to be conserved. But that doesn't necessarily establish ##E = m c^2## as a universally valid equation.
 

Thread 'EPR revisited'

In an inertial frame of reference (IFR), there are two fixed points, A and B, which share an entangled state $$ \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}(|0>_A|1>_B+|1>_A|0>_B) $$ At point A, a measurement is made. The state then collapses to $$ |a>_A|b>_B, \{a,b\}=\{0,1\} $$ We assume that A has the state ##|a>_A## and B has ##|b>_B## simultaneously, i.e., when their synchronized clocks both read time T However, in other inertial frames, due to the relativity of simultaneity, the moment when B has ##|b>_B##...
View full post »

Similar threads

Undergrad E=mc^2 and acceleration
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
2K
Undergrad Uncovering a Decent Proof of E=mc^2
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Undergrad Best Derivation of E=mc^2 - Fdx = V^2 dm
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Undergrad Deriving e=mc^2, how is it possible?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Graduate Tony Rothman Questions E=mc^2 in American Scientist
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
Undergrad Discover the Relationship Between Mass and Energy in Electromagnetic Fields
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Undergrad History of E=mc^2 Before Einstein
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
6K
Derivation of E=mc2: Examining Einstein's Theory
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
9K
Undergrad E=mc^2 Mass: Rest Mass m0 vs Relativistic Mass γm0
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Was Einstein's Proof of E=MC^2 Flawed?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K