2006-09-16 02:27:42 · 16 answers · asked by Senthil 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Several reasons:
(1) It is the simplest equation written by Albert Einstein. Much of the math reported in General and Specific Relativity papers run into half a page of math that very few can understand.
(2) It pronounce the "end" of pure Newtonian Physics which separated matter from energy. This equation showed the relation between the interconversion of matter and energy.
(3) It is perhaps the only equations used by many people who otherwise would never have the opportunity to use a superscript to denote "squared." Everyone seems smarter spouting the equation.
(4) It is short and easy to remember. Look up equations which use the Boltzmann's constant or Heisenberg's Uncertainty principle. Many of these are real bears.
(5) It also sets down one of the "limiting factors" (the velocity of electromagnetic radiation) of the known physical Universe.
2006-09-16 02:41:50 · answer #1 · answered by Richard 7 · 71⤊ 0⤋
The Equation E=mc^2 is popular because the whole world asociates It with Einstein who was a Genius and prolific Theoretical Physisist.
However The Developper of the Equation was Really Henri Poincare who also was a Genius.
It was Einstein that gave the equation life by applying it to Special Relativity Theory of his two postulates..Therefore the fame about this equation went to Einstein Instead of Poincare.
2006-09-16 02:57:38 · answer #2 · answered by goring 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Richard's third answer is probably the most correct. The equation itself, and even the concept behind it, are so simple that most people can understand it. And using it makes you look smart because it implies you know a lot more about the subject.
Contrast that with Maxwell's Equations. An electrical engineering student at MIT is in his senior (fourth) year before he's comfortable and competent working with these equations. They also look cool on the "And God said,
2006-09-16 04:53:52 · answer #3 · answered by Frank N 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1.) the simple fact is was from the legend Einstein himself
2.) his theory of E = mc^2 basically shows fission of the uranium atom. It is the relationship between mass and energy which is represented in the equation. In the equation E stands for energy, m for the mass, and c is the speed of light. Although it appears simple, this relationship has profound implications. Even an incredibly small mass will produce large amounts of energy (i.e. atomic bomb, and thus the start of the nuclear age).
2006-09-16 02:39:59 · answer #4 · answered by simmsdanjen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's popular? Like that whole Quadratic Equation thing! Number 1 with a bullet! Waaahooo!
Sorry. Basically, it explains the relationship that all matter (mass, m) is a form of energy (E). Before Einstein, many scientists thought that matter was different than energy. It gave them clues to produce nuclear energy (controlled turning of plutonium (matter) to energy).
2006-09-16 02:40:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because who would have thought that energy and mass were related in such a way: isn't it surprising? Plus the equation gives us an idea why stars are able to produce so much energy for so long before burning out.
2006-09-16 04:02:54 · answer #6 · answered by bruinfan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It defines the relation between mass and energy. Besides, its this equation which led to develpoment of nuclear weapons (Einstien said after wwII that if he knew the consequences, he would never ever create this equation.)
2006-09-16 02:37:05 · answer #7 · answered by ankit pruthi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not that it's popular so much as it means so much to modern physics. Without that knowledge, much that we now know would be far less advanced.
2006-09-16 02:35:09 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, so popular see... u've posted ur question only 14 mins. earlier, 'n u've got 12 answers !!!
2006-09-16 02:43:13 · answer #9 · answered by Innocence Redefined 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cos it states"education=mass*corruption square"
2006-09-16 02:36:40 · answer #10 · answered by aditi 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋