Dom Dezort

Mr. Yackuboskey

Physics

May 1, 2018

The Equivalence of Mass and Energy

Over the course of the year, we have learned many dimensions of different equations.

One equation in particular is Ek = 1/2mv2. This is the equation for Kinetic Energy, the m stands

for the mass, and the v stands for the velocity. Einstein’s equation differs from the equation we

learned in class because his equation is used to calculate speeds that are small relative to the

speed of light.

Einstein’s equation comes from the equation we learn in class but is modified for

relativity. Einstein created an equation to find out the kinetic energy of an object that is small

relative to the speed of light. In reality, these speeds are not small at all. The speeds that are

being solved for in the equation are greater than any speed we will ever achieve by using Ek =

1/2mv2. In all cases when using these equations, the experimental data mostly corresponds to

Einstein’s equation rather than to the classical equation we learn in class. The difference between

the two theories at low speeds, relative to the speed of light, is so minute that the classical

equation can be used in all cases when the speed is much less than the speed of light.

In Einstein’s equation, the second part is there so that kinetic energy equals zero when the

velocity equals zero. This is called Rest Energy. The rest energy of something is equal to its

mass multiplied by the speed of light squared. In our physics class, rest energy does not occur
and was not predicted in the physics we are learning. Thus, the reason for its significance in

Einstein’s equation. Einstein’s equation is E = mc2 and E stands for the rest energy. Our physics

class does not need to worry about the rest energy or the relativity to the speed of light because

our scenarios and the equations we use do not end up being close to the speed of light. Rest

energy occurs for things that are really fast something that is not common in everyday life but

can still be useful when talking about particle or nuclear accelerators.

In our physics class, we do dimensional analysis for all the different equations we use

throughout the course, but when talking about equations like Einstein’s, physicists use

experimental verification. In both ways, we prove the equations to be true but, when talking

about the speed of light and the relativity to the speed of light Experiments occur. Most of the

changes in energy encountered during physics class, are much smaller and far to small to be

detected during an experiment. Hence the reason for analyzing the dimensions of energy and

proving it to be true. Through our physics class, we learn about two fundamental conservation

laws, but through the relativity theory, they combine into one.

In conclusion, physics students are not fully taught everything in physics. They are only

taught the basic things, which in some cases can contradict the theories that were created by

Einstein and other geniuses of the past. Physics students are taught the small scale equations and

those small scale equations stand for something much bigger and more interesting to explore

into.
Works cited:

Fernflores, Francisco. “The Equivalence of Mass and Energy.” Stanford Encyclopedia of

Philosophy, Stanford University, 12 Sept. 2001, plato.stanford.edu/entries/equivME/.

Tate, Karl. “How Einstein's E=Mc^2 Works (Infographic).” LiveScience, Purch, 19 May 2014,

www.livescience.com/45714-how-einstein-s-key-to-the-universe-the-mass-energy-

equivalence-formula-works-infographic.html.

Physics textbook