Misconceptions of E=MC^2

Hi Heinrik,Chiroptera gave the right answer, but I want to offer a little more clarification.Chiroptera put the word "proven" between quotes, and he did so because when scientists talking about science use the word "proven" they do not mean it in the same sense as laypeople. Laypeople tend to think of the word "proven" as meaning 100% certainty, but all "proven" means within science is that the idea is supported by sufficient evidence that it has formed a consensus of acceptance within relevant scientific circles. The acceptance is granted provisionally and only until such time as new evidence or improved insight indicates a change is required.So when a scientist says that E=mc² has been proven, all he means is that the accuracy of the equation is supported by a great deal of empirical evidence.--Percy

I grant this semantic issue, but I think creationists tend to think of "proven" in a more absolute sense and believe it implies that no other conclusion is possible, the way we think of mathematical and logical derivations. Presenting the issue of tentativity alongside use of the word "proof" is also difficult, often seeming to be a contradiction. Plus creationists think the existence of the Christian God is 100% certain, proven beyond any doubt by the literal truth of the Bible in terms of history and prophecy.So that's why I take the approach I do, but I'm open to more effective approaches.--Percy

Hi Heinrik,c is a universal constant that can be directly measured because it is equal to the speed of light in a vacuum. The c² in the equation is just a conversion factor between mass and energy and has nothing to do with how fast the mass is traveling. Using units of meters/second for c, the equation could be rewritten like this: So if you converted, say, 5 kilograms of mass to energy, the amount of energy released would be: Does that help?--Percy

The equivalence has been experimentally verified in both directions. The conversion of energy to mass is much more difficult because such huge amounts of energy are necessary to create very little mass.--Percy

In the interests of completeness, the formula can be expressed typographically in three ways that I know of:

• E = mc²
• E = mc^2
• E = mc**2

As you noted, E = mc2 is incorrect since it says that energy equals mass times the speed of light times 2, but most people have gotten in the habit of ignoring the mistake because they know what is meant and realize that the mistake is due to what happens when you cut-n-paste "E = mc²", since the fact that the 2 is a superscript doesn't copy.I'm sure you know all this, this is just for the benefit of Heinrik.--Percy

Relativity always turns out to be more complicated than I think, but I believe it would be correct to say that E=mc² is for a mass at rest with respect to the observer. If the mass were moving at velocity v then the non-relativistic version of the equation might become: But mass actually increases with relative velocity, so for a mass in motion I'm guessing that the equation might really be: But I'm just guessing. Modulous's answer in Message 151 may be the correct one, and his equation simplifies to: Anyone know which is correct and why? I'm trying to see how Modulous's answer reduces to mv²/2 (the Newtonian answer) for non-relativistic velocities after subtracting out an mc², but I can't figure it out.--Percy

Thank you. I looked at the Wikipedia article on the Taylor Series and it was a bit beyond me. Is this something that can be explained more simply?--PercyEdited by Percy, : Grammar.