The discussion centers on the question of whether photons possess mass, particularly in the context of general relativity and black holes. Participants argue that photons are defined as having no rest mass, yet they are influenced by gravity due to spacetime curvature. The conversation highlights the distinction between rest mass and inertial mass, emphasizing that gravity affects all forms of energy and momentum, not just mass. The debate also touches on the implications of photon mass on polarization and gravitational interactions.
PREREQUISITESPhysicists, students of theoretical physics, and anyone interested in the fundamental nature of light and gravity will benefit from this discussion.
georgir said:tl;dr
But the idea that something needs mass to be affected by gravity is obviously false - all things that have mass are affected absolutely identically by gravity, they receive exactly the same acceleration, regardless of their mass. So even if they had zero mass, it would be normal to assume they will still be affected in the same manner and get the same acceleration.
harve said:Do you mean that light can be accelerated overcoming its constant speed,or simply follows the space curvature? But curvating motion also means acceleration.