Is it possible for pure energy to have mass?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether pure energy can possess mass and if it could become dense enough to form a gravitational entity. Participants explore the nature of energy, its relationship with mass, and the concept of photons as a form of energy.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the possibility of pure energy having mass and forming a gravitational ball that retains energy.
  • Another participant asserts that photons have mass and momentum but no rest mass, suggesting they can be treated as pure energy.
  • Some participants argue that energy is not a substance and that "pure energy" is a concept from science fiction.
  • A participant seeks clarification on whether photons are the most basic form of energy or just one type among others like electromagnetic and kinetic energy.
  • One participant emphasizes that energy is a property of an object or system, similar to momentum and charge, and denies the existence of "pure energy" independent of an object.
  • A later reply introduces the idea that a pair of non-parallel photons could be considered a system of "pure energy" with a non-zero invariant mass.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the concept of "pure energy," with some rejecting its validity while others explore its implications regarding mass and photons. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the definitions of energy and mass being discussed, as well as the assumptions regarding the nature of photons and their relationship to mass. The discussion does not resolve these complexities.

ARC123
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When I ask about mass, I am really asking is it remotely possible for pure energy to have mass and possible become so dense it forms a ball with its own gravitational pull. This pull keeps the energy in a ball.
 
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Photon has mass as well as momentum but no rest mass so it can treat it as pure energy.
 
Energy is not a substance. "Pure energy" is a creation of science fiction writers.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
Energy is not a substance. "Pure energy" is a creation of science fiction writers.
So than that makes photons the most basic form of energy or just one of the many types of energy like electromagnetic and kinetic?
 
Energy is a property of an object or system, like momentum, angular momentum, mass, and charge. There is no such thing as "pure energy" not associated with an object or system, just like there is no such thing as "pure momentum" or "pure charge."
 
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A pair of photons that whose momenta are not parallel could be considered to be a system consisting of "pure energy" and nonetheless have a non-zero invariant mass.
 

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