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9 months ago in Philosophy of Science , Physics By Brijesh Sharma
Is the equation E=mc² applicable to all spacetime scales including the universe?
I'm working on cosmological models that bridge quantum mechanics and general relativity. In this context, it's crucial to understand the limits and philosophical grounding of our core equations. I'm trying to determine if E=mc² is an absolute, governing law of nature or a profound principle that emerges from more fundamental axioms, especially when considering extreme scales.
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By Preetham M Answered 2 months ago
This is an excellent question that gets to the heart of theoretical physics. In my experience, I've seen that E=mc² is best understood as a profound principle stemming from the symmetries of special relativity, not a standalone law. It is incredibly robust within its domain of validity inertial frames in flat spacetime. However, at cosmic scales where spacetime is curved by gravity (described by general relativity), the simple form requires careful integration into the full field equations. Similarly, in quantum field theory, mass and energy are operators, and the concept is reinterpreted. So, it's a foundational principle, not a universally applicable law in its simple textbook form.
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