Is it possible for pure energy to have mass?

In summary, "Pure energy" is not a substance and is a creation of science fiction writers. Energy is a property of an object or system and there is no such thing as "pure energy" not associated with an object or system. Photons can be considered a form of energy, but there are many other types of energy as well.
  • #1
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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  • #2
Photon has mass as well as momentum but no rest mass so it can treat it as pure energy.
 
  • #3
Energy is not a substance. "Pure energy" is a creation of science fiction writers.
 
  • #4
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?
 
  • #6
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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  • #7
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.
 

1. What is pure energy and how is it related to mass?

Pure energy is a theoretical concept that refers to energy that has not been converted into any other form, such as potential or kinetic energy. In physics, energy and mass are considered to be two forms of the same thing, as described by Einstein's famous equation E=mc^2. This means that pure energy can have mass, and vice versa.

2. Can pure energy be observed or measured?

No, pure energy cannot be directly observed or measured. It is a theoretical concept that is used to explain the behavior of energy and matter in the universe. However, we can observe and measure the effects of pure energy, such as in nuclear reactions or the production of light.

3. How is pure energy different from other forms of energy?

Pure energy is different from other forms of energy because it has not been converted into any other form. Other forms of energy, such as thermal, electrical, or chemical energy, have already been transformed from one form to another. Pure energy is considered to be the most fundamental form of energy.

4. Is it possible for pure energy to have negative mass?

According to current scientific understanding, pure energy cannot have negative mass. Mass is a property of matter, and pure energy is not a physical substance. However, there are theories that suggest the existence of exotic particles that could have negative mass.

5. How is the concept of pure energy relevant in everyday life?

The concept of pure energy is mostly relevant in the study of physics and the behavior of matter and energy in the universe. However, it has also led to advancements in technology, such as nuclear energy and the development of lasers. Understanding pure energy is crucial in our understanding of the fundamental laws of the universe.

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