2005-2006 Colloquium Series
NAU Physical Sciences (Bldg 19, Rm 321), Monday, March 13, 2006, 4:00 PM
(Refreshments at 3:45pm)
The Many Faces of E=mc2
Ralph Baierlein
NAU Physics & Astronomy
Abstract
The equation E = mc2 is an icon for physics. Yet the equation is often misunderstood - or, at least, what the equation should mean is often a subject of contention.
In the preliminary portion of the talk, I will present some history about the word mass, settle on what the word means in our context, and give an elementary but compelling derivation of E = mc2. Then I will provide some history of how the equation evolved and finally address one or more perennially knotty questions of what the equation means or implies. My aim is to be descriptive, not prescriptive.
Local Host: Dave Cornelison, (928) 523-7641.