Why Doesn't Light Have Infinite Mass and Energy in Motion?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of why light, specifically photons, does not possess infinite mass and energy while in motion. Participants explore the implications of these properties and their effects on space-time, as well as the fundamental characteristics of photons in the context of physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that a photon in motion would have infinite energy and mass, leading to significant consequences such as the creation of black holes and a destructive force of light.
  • Another participant counters that a photon does not have infinite energy or mass.
  • A further contribution clarifies that a photon has zero mass at rest and that its energy is related to its momentum, but its mass is not influenced by this momentum.
  • A participant expresses gratitude for the clarification but notes that a provided link to additional information does not work.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is disagreement among participants regarding the properties of photons, particularly concerning their mass and energy. Some assert that photons have infinite properties, while others argue against this notion, indicating a lack of consensus.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of mass and energy in relation to motion and the behavior of photons, which may not be fully explored or defined by all participants.

Dejango
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Forgive me if this has been answered elsewhere on the forums, or if there really is an answer out there. I am a High School student and have been bothered by this problem for quite some time, so I was wondering if someone here could possibly help. Please though, I'm just a High School student, so there may be problems in this :).


Okay, a photon in motion would have both infinite energy and infinite mass. The infinite mass and the acceleration of the photon would warp the fabrics of space-time, creating an incredibly high amount of sub-atomic black holes. The power of an infinite mass black hole, multiplied by the trillions plus photons just here on earth, would spread out, causing everything exposed to light to be "sucked" into the black hole, thus causing light to be a destructive force. However, light does not do this. My question is (if everything so far is valid)-why does light not do this?

Thank you :).
 
Science news on Phys.org
A photon in motion does not have infinite energy nor infinite mass.
 
A photon has 0 mass and energy at rest. It's energy is based on it's momentum, but yet, it's mass is not affected by it's momentum.

This may help: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.ed...tiv/relmom.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Ahh thank you very much.

However, the link does not work :(.
 

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