is e=mc2 a theory or a scientific law?

Question

yeah...?

Answer 1

The equation e=mc^2 is part of a theory, called the Theory of Special Relativity. The reason why it's called a theory is because in science, a theory is a body of statements or principles which have explanatory power. The equation is derived from certain key assumptions assumed to be true in Special Relativity, such as the speed of light is constant for all moving frames. A scientific law is a single statement or equation that's used as a starting point in the development of a more general theory. An example would be Newton's Law of Gravitation, which says that for any two bodies with mass, the force of attraction is proportional to the product of their masses divided by the square of the distance separating them. Unlike the equation, E = mc^2, it is not derived, but given as a posited statement. So, for these reasons, the equation E=mc^2 is neither a theory nor a scientific law.

A common perception is that a theory is unproven guesswork, and law is established fact. Again, neither is true. Moreover, just because an equation is part of a theory, or because it's not a scientific law, it is not a pragmatic fact. It could in fact be very well established by experiment and observation, as the equation E=mc^2 is.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

E=mc^2 is an equation that can be derived by assuming that all the postulates of Special Relativity are true, namely that:

1) The laws of physics are the same in all inertial reference frames
2) The speed of light (c) in a vacuum is constant regardless of the speed of the source of light or the speed of the observer.

The first postulate means that the laws of physics are always the same no matter how fast you are moving or which direction you are moving in. This also means that no reference frame is any more correct that any other.

The second postulate (even though it is quite self explanatory) contends that the speed of light (c) will always be measured to be the same, no matter how fast you are moving, or how fast the source of the light is moving.

Assuming these two things to be true has many fascinating consequences, including, but not limited to: time dilation (in which time slows as one moves faster), length contraction (in which lengths shrink as one moves faster), among many others. Several paradoxes have been proposed stemming from these consequences. You can find many of these paradoxes online.

However, your question is a specific case of a specific consequence of assuming the 2 postulated of special relativity to be true. The general expression for the energy of a particle/object is: E=γmc^2. γ is a variable that gets larger as velocity increases. E=mc^2 is the special case in which velocity is equal to zero , and is called the rest mass energy of the particle.

Thus E=mc^2 is neither a scientific law, nor a theory. It is only a mathematical consequence of a scientific theory. Let's also be clear that there is no such thing as a truly scientific law. Even the most widely accepted theories, such as the conservation of energy are not laws. Total energy does not have to be conserved as long as the extra total energy created only exists for a certain amount of time!

Answer 4

It is a LAW on the phenomena of the natural world that we currently understand. However, in the future, we may discover something to which this law does not apply. Therefore, it becomes a question of English language and usage, not Physics. It is safest to call it a theory, since every possibility has not yet been tested....since every possibility cannot be known. But in the arena of known phenomena, it is so reliable as to be reasonably treated as a law.

Answer 5

the super bang theory does not rule out the 1st decision. the super bang theory is in certainty a advent delusion without a writer. a splendidly rational clarification is the recycling universe...capability can neither be created or destroyed it may purely be converted. The universe is and consistently has been. Stars blow up and extra stars are made out of the rubble. It removes that stressful "If god created the universe then who created god? question. the super bang theory additionally has a deadly flaw. in case you %. each and all of the mass and capability into one area "a vast black hollow from which not something can get away" then why might it explode? The black hollow theory for sure states not something can get away. Packing all that mass and capability into another form of equipment might reason it to detonate/ignite/go nova long until now you will possibly desire to %. the finished universe up.

Answer 6

Its a law resulting from the theory of relativity of bodies in motion.

The theory of relativity is a well-proven theory meaning that it is capable of making reasonably accurate predictions of the natural phenomina that the theory models over a wide range of observations or tests.

Newtons theory of inertia results in the law, f=ma.

Answer 7

it is a theory, it is called the theory of relativity. If you want me to explain it, then ask!
Good Luck!

Answer 8

its an equation of the relativity law