2006-08-27 04:12:45 · 5 answers · asked by goring 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Dr. P showed E=mc^2 for the special case of electromagnetic radiation absorption by an atom. Likewise, Lorentz showed the Lorentz transformation, which is the foundation of special relativity, allowed Maxwell's equations to transform to different references frames, again for the special case of electromagnetism. This was an observation more than a theory and actually argued for the existence of an ether since to assume otherwise implied the Lorentz transformation was required (absurd to anyone with the common sense of the time). What Dr. E did was to derive both E=mc^2 and the LT for *all* processes from very basic symmetries of nature - the speed of light is the same in all reference frames, and spacetime is homogeneous, isotropic and time invariant. That's the axiomatic basis of SR, and why it has Dr. E's name.
2006-08-27 06:30:17 · answer #1 · answered by Dr. R 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Einstein took the world's physisists step by step through his maze of equations that he combined and factored down to E=MC2. He proved that E=MC2 was the reality and not some mathmatical fluke.
2006-08-27 04:30:58 · answer #2 · answered by LeAnne 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I guess there was no theoretical basis for the formula at that time. Einstein was able to derive it from his special relativity theory.
2006-08-27 04:16:52 · answer #3 · answered by prune 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably his background was not the right one to be promoted.;)
2006-08-27 04:17:21 · answer #4 · answered by UncleGeorge 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
some stupid reason i forgot.
2006-08-27 04:15:21 · answer #5 · answered by SdM 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋