Do Massless Particles Interact in Particle Physics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interactions of massless particles in particle physics, specifically focusing on whether massless particles can engage in reactions and the implications of such interactions. The scope includes theoretical considerations and references to particle interactions in high-energy physics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the possibility of interactions involving massless particles.
  • Another participant asserts that two photons can interact under certain conditions to produce a particle-antiparticle pair, referencing the big bang theory as a context for this interaction.
  • A link to Delbrück scattering is provided as a relevant example of massless particle interactions.
  • There is curiosity expressed about the reference frame of a photon during such interactions, indicating a conceptual challenge regarding the nature of reference frames for massless particles.
  • A participant mentions that in Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD), massless gluons do have direct interactions.
  • There is a clarification that photons do not possess reference frames in the conventional sense, highlighting a common misconception in discussions about relativity.
  • A humorous remark is made about Einstein's role in the discussions surrounding the reference frame of photons.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interactions of massless particles, with some supporting the idea of photon interactions while others highlight conceptual challenges regarding reference frames. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications and nature of these interactions.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in understanding the reference frames of massless particles, and the discussion reflects ongoing uncertainties in the theoretical framework of particle interactions.

taylrl3
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Are there any reactions in that require the interaction of massless particles or am I right in thinking this is impossible? Thanks
 
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It is possible for two photons with high enough energy to interact and produce a particle + anti-particle pair. According to big bang theory, this was going on right after the big bang and led to the creation of matter.
 
Thanks for the link :-) I'm wondering what happens in the reference frame of the photon when this reaction occurs.
 
In QCD, there direct interactions between massless gluons.
 
taylrl3 said:
I'm wondering what happens in the reference frame of the photon when this reaction occurs.

Photons don't have reference frames, at least not the kind we're used to. We get threads about "reference frame of a photon" or "photon's point of view" probably every month in the relativity forum.
 
jtbell said:
We get threads about "reference frame of a photon" or "photon's point of view" probably every month in the relativity forum.

Yeah, and that jerk Einstein started it all
 

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