Does electromagnetic radiation occupy space ? How much?

In summary, objects that occupy space experience gravitational force due to the distortion they create in the space-time fabric. Radiation also experiences gravitation, indicating that it occupies space or volume. The amount of volume it occupies can be measured by its energy density, which is a source of gravity. Since the entire universe is filled with electromagnetic radiation, this means that the entire space-time fabric is constantly being distorted, but the impact is usually negligible due to the weak coupling to gravity.
  • #1
Atyant.E
1
0
Anything that occupies space creates a 'distortion' to a certain degree in the space time fabric and hence will experience gravitational force.And we know radiation does experience gravitation , this would directly imply that it occupies 'space' or 'volume' . The question now is .. how much volume ?
 
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  • #2
Hi, Atryant.

Atyant.E said:
Anything that occupies space creates a 'distortion' to a certain degree in the space time fabric and hence will experience gravitational force.And we know radiation does experience gravitation , this would directly imply that it occupies 'space' or 'volume' . The question now is .. how much volume ?

Your question of 'How much volume' would be readdressed as 'How much energy per volume'. Because energy(-momentum) is source of gravity or distortion of space-time. Then part of the answer for energy is energy density of electromagnetic field, i.e. (ED + BH)/2 for every point of space.

Regards.
 
  • #3
All of it. The entire universe is filled with electromagnetic radiation.
 
  • #4
Bill_K said:
All of it. The entire universe is filled with electromagnetic radiation.

Does this mean that entire space-time gets, at least, infinitesimally distorted off an on at various points in time and space (by the radiation)?
 
  • #5
San K said:
Does this mean that entire space-time gets, at least, infinitesimally distorted off an on at various points in time and space (by the radiation)?

In principle, sure. But the coupling to gravity is so weak that it is negligible in most if not all cases.
 

1. Does electromagnetic radiation occupy space?

Yes, electromagnetic radiation does occupy space. It is a type of energy that travels through space in the form of waves.

2. How does electromagnetic radiation travel through space?

Electromagnetic radiation travels through space in the form of waves. These waves are created by the movement of electrically charged particles, such as electrons, and are able to travel through empty space.

3. Does electromagnetic radiation have mass?

No, electromagnetic radiation does not have mass. It is a form of energy and therefore does not have a physical mass like matter does.

4. How much space does electromagnetic radiation occupy?

The amount of space occupied by electromagnetic radiation depends on its wavelength. Shorter wavelength radiation, such as X-rays and gamma rays, occupy less space than longer wavelength radiation, such as radio waves.

5. Can electromagnetic radiation be contained or blocked?

Yes, electromagnetic radiation can be contained or blocked. This can be done using materials that are opaque to the specific type of radiation, or by using devices such as Faraday cages to contain or redirect the radiation.

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