Single Idea 6807

[catalogued under 27. Natural Reality / B. Modern Physics / 4. Standard Model / d. Mass]

Full Idea

According to Newton mass is conserved, while in Einstein's theory mass is not conserved but can be converted into and from energy.

Gist of Idea

In Newton mass is conserved, but in Einstein it can convert into energy

Source

Alexander Bird (Philosophy of Science [1998])

Book Reference

Bird,Alexander: 'Philosophy of Science' [UCL Press 2000], p.278


A Reaction

Perhaps this is the most fundamental difference between the theories. It certainly suggests that 'mass' was a conventional concept rather than a natural one. Maybe the relative notion of 'weight' is more natural than 'mass'.