Which Type of Photon Has the Most Mass?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a question from a past exam regarding the mass of different types of photons, specifically infrared, UV, optical, and x-ray photons. The original poster expresses confusion about the concept of mass in relation to photons, noting that they are typically understood to have no rest mass.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the idea of "relativistic mass" versus "rest mass" and question the appropriateness of the exam question. There is also a discussion about the implications of multiple-choice format in relation to the question posed.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants questioning the nature of the exam question and considering the concept of relativistic mass. Some participants have offered insights into the terminology used, suggesting that the question may be misleading.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the exam's multiple-choice format, which may limit the responses available to students. The original poster has referenced various sources, including textbooks and lecture notes, but has not found satisfactory explanations.

TheTourist
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Which of the following has the greatest mass?
An infrared photon
A UV photon
An optical photon
An x-ray photon
This question is on a past exam paper that I'm going through. I thought photons have no rest rest mass, so how can one have more mass than another? I have tried the textbook, the lecture notes and the internet but can't find anything of any use.
 
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Trick question?
 
I thought that, but it seems a bit harsh to put it on a proper exam, when it gives you no option but to answer one ; it's the multiple choice part of the exam.
 
They are most likely talking about the so-called 'relativistic mass', not the usual rest mass. They should have just asked which photon has the greatest energy.

Read: http://www2.corepower.com:8080/~relfaq/photon_mass.html"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
TheTourist said:
...it gives you no option but to answer one ; it's the multiple choice part of the exam.
Ah. Then that would be a nasty trick...
 
ah thanks very much, I didn't think of that.
 

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