E=mc² is not complete!!!

What is the right formula?

The correct formula that is often misinterpreted is E2= (MC2)2+ (PC)2

The Sun, which turns small amounts of mass into huge amounts of energy using fusion reactions.
The Sun, which turns small amounts of mass into huge amounts of energy using fusion reactions.

This formula was famously developed by Albert Einstein in 1905, but it is nearly always shortened or deformed. This is because the (PC)2 portion of the equation is deemed unnecessary, and rightly so in most cases, but it still needs to be remembered as part of the equation. This equation dictates how many objects in our universe function like the sun's nuclear fusion, so it is important to understand what the equation means.

What do the letters mean?

In this formula E refers to the energy of an object. M refers to the mass of the object. C is used to represent the speed of light. P represents momentum. The reason P is used instead of M is because M is already representing mass. The C in PC is the same "C" in MC and therefore still represents the speed of light.

Why do people always say E=MC (squared)

People often forget to include the (PC)2 because in many instances (PC)2 is zero. Remember that P represents momentum and when the velocity (speed) is zero then momentum is zero. This makes it unnecessary in the equation. On the flip side if an object has a very large momentum but little mass PC2would be an extremely important part of the equation. For photons (particles of light you could say that E= (PC)2. This is because photons are massless therefore making the (MC2)2equal zero and irrelevant.

[akhilmaru]

Now understood the story behind that equation...Thank you....!

[mahdikarimi]

so understandable and perfectly comprehensive, have a nice day

[synatra]

E=(MC2)2+(PC)2. P=MV. IF MASS BECOMES 0. E=(0)+(0*V*C). THUS E=0. does that mean photon has no energy ?

[BrennFilm]

you forgot to explain that E2= (MC2)2+ (PC)2 can also be negative.

just like sqrt(4) can also be -2