Is Everything in the Universe Made of Mass?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the nature of mass in relation to energy and information in the universe. It establishes that while photons possess energy, they do not have rest mass, but can exhibit relativistic mass when in motion. The conversation also highlights that gravity affects light due to the curvature of spacetime, as described by Einstein's General Relativity, which does not require mass for gravitational interaction. The term "energy density" is suggested as a more accurate descriptor for space rather than mass.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of General Relativity
  • Basic knowledge of photon behavior and properties
  • Familiarity with the concept of relativistic mass
  • Awareness of energy density in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of General Relativity on light and gravity
  • Explore the concept of relativistic mass in detail
  • Study the properties and behavior of photons and cosmic rays
  • Investigate the definition and implications of energy density in physics
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Physicists, students of theoretical physics, and anyone interested in the fundamental concepts of mass, energy, and the nature of light in the universe.

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Random question, but is it true that all information, like brain neurons (ideas), light, radio waves, etc... has a mass?

Basically if anything moves then it transfers energy and must have a mass. So the Universe is ALL mass?

Also, what would "space" be defined as in terms of mass.
 
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Photons have no mass, they have energy. Light and radio waves are photons. Just because something moves, does not mean it transfers energy. Think of a a Cosmic ray traveling through a vaccum, there is nothing to transfer its energy to.

As for space, a more appropriate term would be energy density.

I like how you are thinking about such topics and I appreciate your creativity.
 
So what are photons and cosmic rays made up of?

Also if light gets affected by gravity, it must have a mass.
Doesn't light travel for millions of miles then starts to bend because of gravity?

Thanks
 
MaNiFeST said:
So what are photons and cosmic rays made up of?

Also if light gets affected by gravity, it must have a mass.
Doesn't light travel for millions of miles then starts to bend because of gravity?

Thanks

I personally don't have much information on this topic but here is what I know;

Photons do have a Relativistic Mass when traveling with a speed greater than zero.

But when it comes to waves, they don't need a mass to be effected by the gravity, According to General Relativity of Einstein gravity is curvature in space time which means a geometrical phenomena. As it doesn't involves force, the wave won't need to have a mass.

For the best answers try writing this question in Relativity forum.
 

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