Is Light considered Matter? Questions on energy and states of matter.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around whether light is considered matter and the implications of this classification on the states of matter. Participants explore definitions of matter, characteristics associated with it, and the relationship between light and traditional categories of matter such as gases and liquids.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if light can be classified as matter, referencing an external source that suggests photons might fit within a modern physics definition of matter.
  • Another participant argues against considering light as matter, citing that light lacks mass and volume, which they believe are essential characteristics of matter.
  • A question is posed about whether a substance must have mass to be classified as a gas, liquid, or any other phase of matter.
  • One participant asserts that a collection of particles is necessary to define phases of matter, suggesting that individual particles like protons or electrons do not qualify as matter in this context.
  • Another viewpoint is presented that defines matter as any particle with rest mass, while acknowledging varying interpretations of what constitutes matter, including the distinction between everyday particles and those bound within atoms.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definition of matter and whether light qualifies as such. There is no consensus on the classification of light or the necessary characteristics for something to be considered matter.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the ambiguity surrounding the term "matter" and its reliance on specific definitions, which may vary among participants. The implications of mass and volume in defining states of matter are also noted as potentially unresolved.

Julligan
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So my initial question was whether or not light was considered matter. While googling this question, I came across this answer:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080717210504AAngJQO

In the top answer given, it is inferred that photons (light) are included in the definition of matter by the modern physics definition.

So if light is matter, in what state is it? I'm very new to physics, and from my understanding matter is characterized by certain qualities, and can be put in a category such as a gas, liquid, etc...

Thanks in advance for any answers.
 
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There is no specific physics definition of matter. Its an ill defined term that is not technical. Check out the Wikipedia on it.

I would not consider light matter. The first line in the wiki says that mass and volume are characteristics of matter. Light has neither.

In physics we prefer the term 'mass', its is specifically defined.
 
So to consider something as a gas, liquid, or any other phase of matter, would said thing need to have mass?
 
I think so. And it would have to be macroscopic too. I would not consider a proton to be matter. Even a proton and an electron (H atom) is pushing it. A single proton or H atom cannot be in a gas, liquid or solid state. You need a collection of them to start distinguishing between phases. And once you get a collection of them you can start to talk of their volume as well.
 
Personally I view matter as any particle with rest mass. Some see it as just "normal everyday" particles such as protons, neutrons, and electrons. Still others see it only as particles bound inside atoms. This is a perfect example of an ill defined term. Luckily we have definitions for things such as hadrons, bosons, fermions, etc that are much more specific.
 
Thank you for your help! This has clarified things a lot! :)
 

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