How Can Light Have No Mass Yet Transfer Energy?

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Light has no rest mass, which means it cannot be described by the simple equation E = mc², applicable only to massive particles at rest. Instead, the energy of light is described by the more general equation E² = (m₀c²)² + (pc)², where p represents momentum. Although light has no mass, it carries momentum, allowing it to transfer energy and produce heat when it interacts with surfaces like skin. This explains why we can feel warmth from light despite its lack of mass. Understanding these concepts clarifies the relationship between light, mass, and energy transfer.
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Ive been looking at the E = mc2 explained on youtube and apparently light has no mass how can it have no mass but you you can feel heat on your skin from light
 
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danielpherlio said:
Ive been looking at the E = mc2 explained on youtube and apparently light has no mass how can it have no mass but you you can feel heat on your skin from light

Why should feeling heat imply mass? That logic doesn't follow.

The equation you posted is for a massive particle at rest. Look up the full version of the equation for a clue on how to apply it to light.
 
danielpherlio said:
Ive been looking at the E = mc2 explained on youtube and apparently light has no mass how can it have no mass but you you can feel heat on your skin from light

E = mc2 applies only to things that have mass when they are at rest - and light is always moving with speed c, never at rest, so the equation doesn't apply. Instead, we have to use the more general equation:
E^2 = (m_{0}c^2)^2 + (pc)^2<br />

Here p is the momentum and m_0 is the "rest mass" of the object; when people say that light has no mass they mean that its rest mass is zero. Light does however carry momentum (p is non-zero) so there's still some energy to warm your skin.
 
Thanks nugatory
 
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