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 Newton and Planck’s era. ECM also
critically revisits and refines concepts like negative effective mass,
showing observational alignment with cosmological phenomena such as redshift
and photon momentum.
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)