e=mc2

[helle]

Sorry for being stupid, but if the speed of light is the maximum possible speed then it can't be multiplied with itself. I don't understand.

[tobyjug]

The speed of light isn't the max speed (the speed of light it'self actually varies depending on certain factors). It's just no-one has worked out what would really happen after that point, apart from the possibity of time running backwards (thanks for that al)...

[helle]

Anyone sane with an answer please?

[brachiopod]

It's a formula, thicko - so it gives the value of the subject, ie 'E' meaning energy, (by virtue of its mass). If you can't even understand that - give up now.

If you expected a slightly more constructive answer, then I don't see why you should deserve one, seeing as your idea of a 'constructive comment' seems to be this.(19th post)

[tomd]

It's a finite number, so it can be multiplied by itself. Not to give another speed, but to give an energy value.

[bernardo]

c = 300,000 kilometres per second (approximately).
c squared = 90,000,000,000 square kilometres per square second (approximately). It is not any number of km per sec; it is a number of square km per square sec.

[Loosehead]

No need to apologise and no need to remind us and I'm not suprised you don't understand.

As Brachio says it's only a formula.

Toby the speed of light IS constant in a vaccum regardless of the observer. Time dilation adjusts for relativity

[Space]

Your question doesn't make sense. Why would c being a maximum deny you the right to multiply it by itself in an equation ?

[Clanad]

Tsk, tsk, brachiopod... this isn't like you. I've generally found you to be a consumate geologist/scientist/teacher. Either the wrong side of the bed followed someone losing your rock hammer and collated Devonian samples or your patience with novices has worn exceedingly. At any rate, good explanation of the purpose of a constant in any equation, especially Sir Albert's...

[rojash]

I think if you check the last post in Brachiopod's link you will understand the tone of his answer.

[yr990099]

i dont undrstand this either...remember 1 thing..
phisics is just a theory its not proven

[spacechimp]

Well, at least the theorists can actually spell physics and use apostrophes where required.

[brachiopod]

Very astute, Clanad, - I have been a bit irritable and inolerant of late, haven't I ?

But I seem to be getting very irritated by rudeness, ill manners and badly phrased questions (not necessarily this one per se, but when this poster contributed irrelevant abuse to another thread, I just felt obliged to react).

Yes, I know I should just ignore it, but sometimes you just want to go for it. I would gladly spend time explaining something to an innocently pig-ignorant, but clearly intentioned question.
Others just deserve contempt, which is usually reserved, but, as you have obviously noticed, Clanad, has been a bit free-flowing of late !!!

Oh dear, I think that means I need a holiday !!

[rojash]

Well, that last post certainly made brachiopod's case...

[heathfield]

A mathematical concept needn't be a practical reality, example being (infinity+1)

[spacechimp]

1/0 + 1 = math error ;)

[gerkin]

excellent - I never imagined E=mc2 could get bitchy

[brachiopod]

Yes, I can see a whole new TV series, hosted by that Paul Stannovich (?) bloke with the ever-so-white teeth.....

When Formulae Go Bad !!

".. see what happens when reckless Physics-Law-breaking formulae go on the rampage....."

[brachiopod]

Cheers, rojash ! Unfortunately, your post doesn't make sense now that the puerile abuse from helle has been removed !!

[helle]

The point I was making was c is a maximum and obviously can be squared in maths but not physically

explain if you can.