Do Photons Have Mass? Explained for the Noob

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SUMMARY

Photons do not have mass; they are pure energy as described by the equation E=mc², which illustrates the conversion between energy and mass. Antimatter, created at CERN, mirrors matter in every aspect except for its opposite charge, leading to annihilation upon contact with matter, resulting in the release of gamma ray photons. This discussion clarifies fundamental concepts of mass-energy equivalence and the nature of antimatter, making it accessible for beginners.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of E=mc² and mass-energy equivalence
  • Basic knowledge of photons and their properties
  • Familiarity with antimatter and its characteristics
  • Concepts of quantum numbers and particle interactions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of E=mc² in modern physics
  • Explore the properties and applications of antimatter
  • Learn about particle physics and the role of CERN in research
  • Investigate the annihilation process between matter and antimatter
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, science enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to understand the fundamental principles of energy, mass, and antimatter.

chound
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Do photons have mass or are they only energy?
And is it possible to convert energy to mass like mass is converted into energy in a nuclear reaction?
I read in Dan Brown's "Angels and Demons" that CERN has cre8d antimatter, but what exactly is it? Please answer in terms that a noob can understand!
 
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Please go to the Special and General Relativity forum and do a search on your topic. This has been addressed and answered numerous times.

Zz.
 
cre8d?...
 
chound said:
Do photons have mass or are they only energy?
And is it possible to convert energy to mass like mass is converted into energy in a nuclear reaction?
I read in Dan Brown's "Angels and Demons" that CERN has cre8d antimatter, but what exactly is it? Please answer in terms that a noob can understand!

energy is converted to mass and the other way around via E=mc^2
antimatter is exactly like matter in every respect but if antimatter and matter meet they will annilate and release gamma ray photons
 
simon009988 said:
energy is converted to mass and the other way around via E=mc^2
antimatter is exactly like matter in every respect but if antimatter and matter meet they will annilate and release gamma ray photons
Antimatter particles have opposite charges, but equal masses as their normal-matter counter-parts. The two particles will only annihilate though, if their quantum numbers are equal.
 

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