why does e=mc2 ? it doesnt make any sence?

Answer 1

It took me until my fourth year of undergraduate chemistry, combined with physics and math through Calculus II, to get an understanding of this. I'll attempt to put this in relatively simple terms.

The energy contained within an object is the potential plus the kinetic energy. Einstein's formula calculates the "resting" energy, and thus the kinetic energy is zero.

In classical terms E = (mass)(gravity)(distance) + kinetic. If kinetic is zero, then we have E = (mass)(gravity)(distance). If we multiply the units of acceleration (meters/s^2) due to gravity times the units of distance (meters), we arrive at E = (mass)(meters^2/seconds^2). The term involving meters and seconds can be reduced to velocity squared since velocity is meters per second, i.e. (m/s)^2. For a photon of light, the velocity is represented by c, where c = 2.998 x 10^8 m/s. Substituting in for velocity, we have c^2. Put it all together and we arrive at E = mc^2.

It seems very easy in principle, yet it took Einstein years with extremely complicated formulas to actually derive his famous equation.

The greatest problem is that particles behave in ways not easily observed and the physics of Newton, which work excellently on a large scale with relatively slow moving objects (rocket ship), do not work with sub-atomic particles moving near the speed of light.

I've posted a link for further reading. Modern experiments have measured this equation to within 1 % of theoretical values, with the error probably due to inaccuracies of measurement of energy.

Answer 2

It followed from the special theory of relativity that mass and energy are both but different manifestations of the same thing -- a somewhat unfamiliar conception for the average mind. Furthermore, the equation E is equal to m c-squared, in which energy is put equal to mass, multiplied by the square of the velocity of light, showed that very small amounts of mass may be converted into a very large amount of energy and vice versa. The mass and energy were in fact equivalent, according to the formula mentioned above.

Answer 3

It's an equation to convert mass and energy. You can think of it as a kind of burning, only not at the chemical level, but a different kind of burning that operates at the atomic nucleus level. If you lose (burn) 1gram of mass in a nuclear reaction, you get (1gram)*c^2 energy out of the reaction.

Some professional physicists thought it didn't make sense at first. You're all right, Bubbles.

Answer 4

You might want to spell sense right so you dont seem like a moron. E=mc2 makes perfect sense if you know anything about the theory itself. Go read a book or 2.

Answer 5

Because it is E= Change in mass in any process* Square of speed of light in vaccume.
This equation need sence of use. Study Quantum theory, Laws of Radiation, then you will understand how to use this equation. This equation is absolutly true when used with sence and study

Answer 6

Keep in mind it's a theory that has never been proven entirely, yet the entire concept has opened the eyes of many a scientist, who with Einstein's theory of relativity in mind, has led to many types of modern discovery in the world of physics.

The deep connection Einstein discovered between energy and mass is expressed in the equation E=mc² . Here E represents energy, m represents mass, and c² is a very large number, the square of the speed of light. Full confirmation was slow in coming. In Paris in 1933, Irène and Frédéric Joliot-Curie took a photograph showing the conversion of energy into mass. A quantum of light, invisible here, carries energy up from beneath. In the middle it changes into mass -- two freshly created particles which curve away from each other.

Click here for Einstein's voice explaining the formula
http://www.aip.org/history/einstein/voice1.htm

Answer 7

It says that energy (symbol = e) is the same as mass (symbol = m). If you have mass you can make it into energy, The amount of energy is huge because the factor that tells how to change it is the square of the speed of light - a very big number. The proof was the atomic bomb that took a little mass and made a humongous amount of energy from it.

Answer 8

E(nergy) = M(***) x C2(speed of light squared) is what the equation stands for, but only a handful of eggheads really understand it.

Answer 9

u'll get the answer in any good physics text book... usually A Level... or try asking a physics teacher

Answer 10

Sure it does. It makes all the sense in the World. **YOU** just haven't studied (and understood) enough physics (in particular Special Relativity) to understand it ☺


Doug