May 20, 2025
The discussion revolves around the mass-energy equivalence relation E = mc² which, although famously attributed to Einstein in 1905, emerges more naturally and originally from Planck’s own 1900 equation:
E =h f
Through a detailed reformulation in Extended Classical Mechanics (ECM)—a framework developed to correct overlooked mass-energy dynamics in classical physics—I demonstrate how Planck’s energy-frequency equation can be extended to derive mass-energy equivalence for dynamic particles like photons, entirely without invoking relativity.
In ECM, photon energy is treated as pure kinetic energy derived from an effective (negative apparent) mass:
E = h f = ½ (−2Mᵃᵖᵖ) c² = (−Mᵃᵖᵖ) c²
Here, v=c for photons is used in the classical form ½mv², distinguishing this derivation from relativistic interpretations. The appearance of c² is thus purely kinematics, not relativistic.
This
leads directly to the celebrated form E = mc², but grounded classically,
and points to Planck—not Einstein—as the rightful conceptual originator. ECM’s
presentation further separates itself from relativistic dependence, as its
foundational logic was formulated between
I have
compiled and released several formatted documents for peer engagement:
- Reclaiming Planck’s Legacy:
A Classical Derivation of E = mc² via ECM (Academia.edu)
- Re-evaluating the Origin of
E = mc²: A Classical Reformulation from ECM (ResearchGate)
- Revisiting the True Origin of E = mc²: Is It Time to Acknowledge Planck Instead of Einstein? (LinkedIn)
A visual timeline and an equational summary are also available to clarify how Planck’s classical formulation leads to ECM’s mass-energy structure without the need for relativistic constructs like time dilation or spacetime curvature.
This post marks the beginning of a deeper public and academic conversation. I welcome your thoughts, critical insights, and historical perspectives on this long-overdue recognition of Max Planck’s role in one of physics’ most celebrated equations.
Warm regards,
Soumendra Nath Thakur
Researcher and Developer,
Extended Classical Mechanics (ECM)
