Compute Relativistic Velocities of Photons & Neutrinos

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the computation of relativistic velocities for photons and neutrinos. It is established that photons travel at the speed of light (c), while neutrinos can travel at any speed less than c due to their rest mass. The conversation clarifies that the existence of mass in neutrinos allows them to have velocities below the speed of light, confirming that neutrinos indeed possess rest mass.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity concepts
  • Knowledge of the speed of light (c)
  • Familiarity with particle physics, specifically neutrinos
  • Basic grasp of mass-energy equivalence
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of neutrino mass on particle physics
  • Study the principles of special relativity in detail
  • Explore the properties and behavior of photons in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate the experimental methods for measuring neutrino velocities
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of particle physics, and anyone interested in the implications of relativistic speeds and the properties of fundamental particles like photons and neutrinos.

petrushkagoogol
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Can we compute the relativistic velocities of 2 photons or 2 neutrinos ? :))
 
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petrushkagoogol said:
Can we compute the relativistic velocities of 2 photons or 2 neutrinos ? :))
Can you give a little context? What do you mean by "relativistic velocity" and which two photons or which two neutrinos do you have in mind?
 
Any two that originate from the same source.
 
The speed of photons is c. Neutrinos may have any speed < c.
 
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Dale said:
The speed of photons is c. Neutrinos may have any speed < c.
Does this imply that neutrinos have rest mass ?
 
petrushkagoogol said:
Does this imply that neutrinos have rest mass ?
The implication goes in the other direction. Neutrinos have mass, therefore they can have any speed < c.
 
petrushkagoogol said:
Does this imply that neutrinos have rest mass ?
Yes, neutrinos have rest mass.
 

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