Equivalency: particle with energy

In summary, according to the theory of relativity, mass and energy are two names for the same thing and one cannot exist without the other. This means that when energy changes type and leaves a system, its mass changes with it. This is represented by the equation E=mc^2. This equivalence also applies to gravity, as the force between a higher-energy particle and the Earth is equal to the force between the same particle in a lower energy state and the Earth. However, this only applies to inertial mass and special relativity. It is unclear if this could lead to the creation of matter with electricity in the future.
  • #1
Pythagorean
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from wiki:
According to the theory of relativity, mass and energy as commonly understood are two names for the same thing, and one is not changed to the other. Rather, neither one appears without the other. Thus, when energy changes type and leaves a system, it takes its mass with it.

E=mc^2

I'm still having trouble conceptualizing this equivalence. If the wiki article speaks true:

If a particle is in a higher energy state, it's actually more massive than the same particle in a lower energy state?
 
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  • #2
Pythagorean said:
If a particle is in a higher energy state, it's actually more massive than the same particle in a lower energy state?

Yup! :biggrin:

A spinning flywheel is "heavier" to push than a non-spinning one.

If a body absorbs radiation by heating up, it is more massive.

Same if it absorbs radiation by having electrons in more energetic states. :wink:
 
  • #3
tiny-tim said:
Yup! :biggrin:

A spinning flywheel is "heavier" to push than a non-spinning one.

If a body absorbs radiation by heating up, it is more massive.

Same if it absorbs radiation by having electrons in more energetic states. :wink:

That sounds like an inertial statement. What about gravity? Is the force between a higher-energy particle and the Earth greater than a force between the same particle (in a lower energy state) and the Earth?

So does this mean that somewhere down the line we will be able to construct a mass generator and exploit dm/dt in all kinds of different ways?
 
  • #4
Pythagorean said:
from wiki:

E=mc^2

Pythagorean said:
That sounds like an inertial statement.

It is an inertial statement.
What about gravity? Is the force between a higher-energy particle and the Earth greater than a force between the same particle (in a lower energy state) and the Earth?

Now you're talking about the equivalence principle, of general relativity, and the equality of inertial mass and gravitational mass …

I suspect the wikipedia article (you didn't provide a link) is only talking about inertial mass and special relativity.
So does this mean that somewhere down the line we will be able to construct a mass generator and exploit dm/dt in all kinds of different ways?

Sorry, not following you. :redface:
 
  • #5
ok, separating the two helps, thanks.

In terms of technology I was asking if it implied that we could theoretically create matter with electricity one day.
 

Related to Equivalency: particle with energy

What is the concept of equivalency between particles and energy?

The concept of equivalency between particles and energy is based on Albert Einstein's famous equation, E=mc^2, which states that energy (E) and mass (m) are interchangeable and can be converted into one another. This means that particles with mass have an equivalent amount of energy, and vice versa.

How is the energy of a particle calculated?

The energy of a particle is calculated using the equation E=mc^2, where E is the energy, m is the mass of the particle, and c is the speed of light. This equation shows that the energy of a particle is directly proportional to its mass and the square of the speed of light.

What is the relationship between particle mass and energy?

The relationship between particle mass and energy is that they are equivalent and can be converted into one another. This means that particles with a larger mass have a greater amount of energy, and particles with a smaller mass have a smaller amount of energy.

Can particles with zero mass have energy?

According to the equation E=mc^2, particles with zero mass would have zero energy. However, this concept is limited to classical physics. In quantum mechanics, particles with zero mass, such as photons, can still have energy due to their wave-like properties.

What are some real-world applications of the concept of equivalency between particles and energy?

The concept of equivalency between particles and energy has numerous real-world applications, including nuclear power generation, nuclear weapons, medical imaging, and particle accelerators. It also plays a crucial role in our understanding of the universe and the development of technologies such as GPS and satellite communication.

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