If light has mass, and is a wave

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    Light Mass Wave
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the nature of light and photons, particularly in relation to the double slit experiment. Participants clarify that photons do not possess mass but exhibit wave-like behavior, resulting in interference patterns when passing through two slits. The misconception that photons have mass is addressed, emphasizing that they interact with one another, leading to constructive and destructive interference. The double slit experiment serves as a fundamental demonstration of these principles in quantum physics.

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  • Understanding of the double slit experiment
  • Basic knowledge of quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with wave-particle duality
  • Concept of constructive and destructive interference
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  • Research the principles of wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics
  • Study the mathematical framework of interference patterns
  • Explore the implications of quantum entanglement on photon interactions
  • Investigate advanced topics in quantum field theory
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Students of physics, educators in quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the fundamental properties of light and its behavior in experiments.

DamonX
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Firstly, I'd like to say that I'm not exactly well versed in physics, so this may seem like a silly question, but I'm kind of interested. :P

I was watching some videos and doing some research on the "double slit experiment", and I started thinking about light. Why is it that if you would shoot light through two slits you just get the two bands of light? If light is actually waves, wouldn't you get that interference pattern?

The only thing I can think of is that photons don't interact with one another, but then it's claimed that photons have mass, even if it's minuscule. So it should be possible for photons to be bouncing off one another, no?

EDIT: Actually, I was wrong, perhaps I should have looked up photons before I asked. :P Though I thought I heard somewhere that photons have mass. Anyway, I guess I should change the question to "Do photons interact with one another?"
 
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Hi there,

It is not claimed that photons have mass, they just behave as if they would have mass.

As you abviously saw from the double slit experiment, photons do interact one another. The interaction can be constructive or destructive. What more of an example do you need?

Cheers
 
Yes they do interact with each other.
Another question, where did you read that about getting two bands of light when shooting light through two slits? You can even try it yourself, you'll get an interference pattern. That was the most important result of Young's double slit experiment.
Also, photons don't have any mass.
 

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