08 July 2024

The Essence of Planck Energy over Relativistic Mass-Energy Equivalence:

Soumendra Nath Thakur
08-07-2024

Abstract:
This abstract discusses the significance of Planck energy compared to relativistic mass-energy equivalence and Schwarzschild's invariant mass energy, focusing on their respective roles in physics and their theoretical underpinnings. Planck energy, approximately 6.2 × 10⁹ joules, represents a scale where quantum gravitational effects become significant, derived from fundamental constants including Planck's constant, the speed of light, and the gravitational constant. In contrast, relativistic mass-energy equivalence, around 1.958805 × 10⁹ joules for a Planck mass of 21.7645 micrograms, simplifies energy calculations based solely on mass and the speed of light. Schwarzschild's invariant mass energy, similarly around 1.958805 × 10⁹ joules for the same mass, is derived from the Schwarzschild radius equation, which describes the radius of a black hole. The discussion highlights the historical context of Newtonian gravity, Max Planck's contributions to quantum theory, and Albert Einstein's formulation of general relativity. It clarifies that while Planck's scales predate general relativity, they inform ongoing theoretical explorations into quantum gravity. This abstract underscores the complementary roles of Planck energy, relativistic mass-energy equivalence, and Schwarzschild's invariant mass energy in advancing our understanding of gravity and the universe.

Keywords: Planck energy, relativistic mass-energy equivalence, Schwarzschild's invariant mass energy, quantum mechanics, general relativity, Newtonian gravity, Planck scales, theoretical physics, gravitational effects, fundamental constants.

Planck Energy (≈ 6.2 × 10⁹ J):
• Comprehensive Energy Scale: Represents the energy scale at which quantum gravitational effects become significant.
• Derived from Fundamental Constants: Calculated using the reduced Planck constant (ℏ), the speed of light (c), and the gravitational constant (G).
• Quantum Gravitational Effects: Includes considerations of quantum mechanics.

Relativistic Mass-Energy Equivalence (≈ 1.958805 × 10⁹ J for 21.7645 micrograms):
• Rest Mass Energy: Represents the energy purely from converting mass to energy using E=mc².
• Simpler Calculation: Involves only the mass (m) and the speed of light (c).

Schwarzschild's Invariant Mass Energy (≈ 1.958805 × 10⁹ J for 21.7645 micrograms):
• Black Hole Mass Energy: Represents the energy associated with the invariant mass of a black hole as described by the Schwarzschild radius equation.
• Derived from Schwarzschild Radius Equation: Involves the gravitational constant (G), the speed of light (c), and the invariant mass (m).

Planck Energy vs. Relativistic Mass-Energy Equivalence vs. Schwarzschild's Invariant Mass Energy for Planck Mass:
For Planck mass 21.7645 micrograms (μg):

• Planck Energy (≈ ≈ 6.2 × 10⁹ J) is greater than both Relativistic Mass-Energy Equivalence (≈ 1.958805 × 10⁹ J) and Schwarzschild's Invariant Mass Energy (≈ 1.958805 × 10⁹ J).

Chronological Order of Developments in Physics:
Sir Isaac Newton's 1687 Description of Gravity: Sir Isaac Newton's 1687 description of gravity is considered valid and widely used in practical applications by space agencies worldwide. Newton's description, based on empirical experiments, explains gravity as a force that acts instantaneously over a distance, resulting in a pull between any two objects in the universe.

Max Planck's 1899 Introduction of Planck Scales and Units: Max Planck introduced the Planck scales and Planck units in 1899, which were derived based on fundamental constants such as the speed of light, the gravitational constant, and Planck's constant. These units set the scale at which quantum effects become significant and laid the groundwork for quantum theory.

Albert Einstein's General Relativity (1915-1916): General relativity, formulated by Albert Einstein and published in 1915-1916, introduced a new understanding of gravitation as the curvature of spacetime caused by matter and energy. It provided a different framework for understanding gravitational effects compared to both Newtonian gravity and quantum mechanics.

Clarifications on Quantum Gravitational Effects:
When discussing "quantum gravitational effects" in the context of Planck energy or Planck scales, it's important to clarify that these discussions are often theoretical extensions or explorations. They anticipate how quantum theory might intersect with gravitational phenomena, particularly at extremely small scales or high energies. However, the full theory of quantum gravity, which seeks to unify quantum mechanics and general relativity into a single framework, remains an ongoing challenge in theoretical physics.

Therefore, it wouldn't be accurate to say that Max Planck's derivation of Planck scales in 1900 included considerations of general relativity, as general relativity as a theory came later. Instead, Planck's work established a foundational understanding of quantum effects, and later developments, including general relativity and Newtonian gravity, contributed to our broader understanding of gravity and the cosmos.

Summary:
The Planck energy is a broader, more encompassing measure that takes into account the intricate relationship between quantum mechanics and gravitational forces. Relativistic mass-energy equivalence and Schwarzschild's invariant mass energy pertain to the direct conversion of mass into energy, with the latter also considering black hole metrics without these additional considerations.

From a Million Miles Away ...

This animation features actual satellite images of the far side of the moon, illuminated by the sun, as it crosses between the DSCOVR spacecraft’s Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) and telescope, and the Earth – one million miles away.

Credits: NASA/NOAA