Jump to content

Energy Confusion

Featured Replies

is used to calculate the energy of moving objects; true or false?


E^2=(MC^2)^2+(PC)^2


is used to calculate the energy of objects that are not moving; true or false?


E=MC^2



So, or both formulas correct? I've been pondering over this...

Assuming "M" is rest mass your statement is true. The second equation is a simplification of the first when p=0

 

It's worth being careful with phrases such as moving and not moving as motion is relative.

Yes,
when v=0 (object is in it's own frame of reference), then p=0, and longer formula version simplify to E=mc2

Both are true (mod your poor wording as Klaynos points out). Remember that energy is not a Lorentz invariant; meaning that it will depend on the inertial frames used to measure the energy.

 

Note that you can write the equation as

 

[math]E^{2}-p^{2}c^{2} = m^{2}c^{4}[/math],

 

and that this is independent of the inertial frame used. In short, although energy and momentum are dependent on the inertial frame you use, the combination "E^2 -p^2" does not depend on the frame and is essentially the mass.

Edited by ajb

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.