Why is energy equated with mass,when energy is not a structured mass?

Question

Isnt energy defined as the result of a force times the distance that the force moves?

Isnt energy defined as the result of a force times the distance that the force moves?

Answer 1

what do you mean by structured?

Answer 2

If there was no mass where would the energy come from?
If there was no energy where would mass come from?
Energy and mass are always related. E=mc^2

Take a ball as an example (the ball contains potential energy) The energy of the ball depends on its weight and its speed.
If you throw the ball as hard as you can, the energy of your throw is transferred to the ball (the ball speeds up from 0km/h, in your hand, to Xkm/h after you throw it) The speed of the ball and its mass will now become kinetic energy once it reaches the surface of the glass window at wich you would throw it. Now the window can brake or not depending on the mass of the ball, its speed and the strenght (energy) of the window!

* do not try this at home...

Answer 3

Probably the same reason steam or ice is equated with water. Certainly not structured the same, but they are interchangable non the less.

Mass can be converted to energy and, likewise, energy can be converted to mass - and there is a direct relation to them. Not an intuitive idea for sure, but a fact.

Answer 4

I don't know where you got that "structured" from - it is not relevant.

The parts of mass hold themselves together with energy. If you break them apart that energy is released and you end up with smaller parts and much energy. That is why energy and mass are equivalent.

Answer 5

When Newton discovered the formulas we use for energy, he wasn't trying to define energy. He was trying to define mass. Here's another way to look at it: m=2E/v^2, m=E/gh, or m=E/c^2.
Einstein took it to the quantum level.

Answer 6

After you've had about a year long course on Special Relativity, you'll understand it. If you don't want to spend that much time to understand it, then just accept it.

And, if you don't want to accept it, that's fine too. I understand there are still some hold-outs who believe the Earth is flat.


Doug

Answer 7

because when you approach the speed of light the energy transforms into energy. read the laws of thermodynamics. energy or matter cannot be made or destroyed and E=MC^2 shows the connection between matter and energy.

Answer 8

It doesn't make any diference.;)