When a MB replaces another MB

[Chisos]

So, when a merit badge is "replaced" by another one (think, Computers being replaced by Digital Technology, or Atomic Energy by Nuclear Science) can a scout earn both?

I  think the answer's yes but want to see if I missed something somewhere.

[Thunderbird]

It depends.

For Computers / Digital Technology, a Scout could earn both, but only if the Scout began actual and purposeful effort on the Computers merit badge prior to December 31, 2014.

source:  Bryan on Scouting: Time running out to earn Computers merit badge

Not sure about Atomic Energy / Nuclear Science, but Atomic Energy was discontinued in 2005.  The general rule is that a Scout must begin working on a merit badge before the date that it is discontinued.  A Scout today would not be able to start working on it and earn it.

For Cinematography / Moviemaking, Scouts would earn one or the other but not both, because they just changed the name of the merit badge and made some minor tweaks to the wording of some requirements (in other words, it's the same merit badge with a new name).  The name change took effect in October, 2013.

source:  Bryan on Scouting:  Cinematography merit badge becomes Moviemaking merit badge

[Chisos]

Thanks @Thunderbird!  Great catch on the "Bryan" articles.