How does changing the frequency of radiation affect the mass of particles?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between the frequency of radiation and the mass of particles, particularly in the context of Einstein's mass-energy equivalence and Planck's relation. Participants explore theoretical implications and the nature of photons in quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the equations E = mc² and E = hf can be combined to suggest a relationship between mass and frequency, proposing m = f (h/c²) under the assumption that it is true.
  • Another participant discusses the annihilation of matter and antimatter, suggesting that the energy released can be emitted as photons with specific wavelengths and frequencies, but expresses uncertainty regarding the implications for mass.
  • A different participant explains that the equation mentioned leads to the Compton wavelength, which relates to particle creation in photon collisions.
  • Another contribution clarifies that while E = hf applies to photons, the relativistic relation E² = (mc²)² + (pc)² indicates that photons are massless, leading to the conclusion that higher energy corresponds to higher frequency and momentum.
  • One participant expresses confusion about the concept of mass and momentum in relation to massless photons.
  • Another participant comments on the counterintuitive nature of quantum mechanics, emphasizing that photons do not have mass or definite size, but are instead described as energy and momentum packets.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and agreement on the implications of mass and frequency in the context of photons, with some uncertainty remaining about the relationship between these concepts.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the validity of combining the equations and the implications for mass in the context of quantum mechanics. The discussion reflects a range of interpretations and understandings of the principles involved.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in quantum mechanics, the relationship between energy and mass, and the nature of photons may find this discussion relevant.

Xargoth
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Well, i am not a physicst so here is a question:

Can
E = mc^2
and
E = hf be shown as

mc^2 = hf creating a Einstein-Planck constant out of two constants,

m = f (h/c^2)*

I don't know if the equation is true so assuming its true,

Can we increase mass by increasing the frequency of radition of a particle for example?
 
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Lets say we use matter and anti-matter and annihilate ("destroy" each other to energy) and that energy (E from [tex]E=mc^2[/tex] would be emitted as fotons with a special wavelength and therefore a special frequency.

I'm not sure on your last question though.
 
Last edited:
The equation you're using will give you the Compton wave-length for the particle: the maximum wavelength of a photon before which particle creation can occur in the collision between this photon and a resting particle.
 
You got E = hf for a photon and this relativistic relation E^2 = (mc^2)^2 + (pc)^2. Since a photon is massless, you get E = pc.

So E = hf = pc. Photon has no mass. But higher energy means higher frequency means higher momentum for a photon.
 
And i lost it right there.

No mass and momentum, sounds odd you know
 
So welcome to the quantum land where oddness reigns. Like Bohr said, if you not shocked then you haven't understood it.

Photons are energy lumps respectively chunks of momentum. They are no little balls or whatever, they have no definite size, no mass.
 

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