Photons and and equivalent number of atoms on gravity

In summary, photons are fundamental particles of light and electromagnetic radiation that have no mass or charge and travel at the speed of light. They are related to atoms because atoms are made up of particles affected by light and electromagnetic radiation. Photons can be affected by gravity according to Einstein's theory of general relativity and interact with atoms through the force of gravity. However, the number of photons and atoms is not equivalent in terms of gravity due to differences in mass and the lack of a gravitational charge for photons.
  • #1
ensabah6
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due to e=mc2

would massless photons and an equivalent number of mass-energy atoms have the same effects on gravity?

Does mass play any special role in gravity or only energy?
 
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  • #2
would massless photons and an equivalent number of mass-energy atoms have the same effects on gravity?
No, the photons would gravitate more due to their pressure.
For homogeneous, isotropic sources the "equivalent gravitational mass" is [itex]\rho + 3 p [/itex].

Does mass play any special role in gravity or only energy?
Neither do. You need the full http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stress-energy_tensor" as a source term.
 
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1. What is a photon?

A photon is a fundamental particle of light and electromagnetic radiation. It has no mass or charge, and travels at the speed of light.

2. How are photons and atoms related?

Photons and atoms are related because photons are the basic building blocks of light and atoms are made up of particles called protons, neutrons, and electrons, which are affected by light and electromagnetic radiation.

3. Can photons be affected by gravity?

Yes, photons can be affected by gravity. According to Einstein's theory of general relativity, gravity is the curvature of space and time caused by massive objects. Since photons have energy, they can be affected by this curvature.

4. How do photons and atoms interact with gravity?

Photons and atoms interact with gravity through the force of gravity. This force is a result of the curvature of space and time caused by massive objects. Both photons and atoms are affected by this curvature and can be pulled towards massive objects.

5. Is the number of photons and atoms equivalent in terms of gravity?

The number of photons and atoms is not equivalent in terms of gravity. While both are affected by gravity, the strength of the gravitational force on a photon is much weaker compared to an atom due to the difference in their masses. Additionally, photons do not have a gravitational charge, while atoms do.

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