Is Negative Mass Real and How Does It Affect Energy in Space?

[Kevin1998]

Hello Everyone,
While deriving potential energy stored in space due to two stationary opposite charges we end up with negative value of energy which upon dividing by c square provides us with negative value of mass. What is the significance of this mass other than reducing the total mass of system of charges? If the mass gets stored in space than what happens in region containing negative energy?
Thanks for all Answers.

 

[jbriggs444]

Hello Everyone,
While deriving potential energy stored in space due to two stationary opposite charges we end up with negative value of energy which upon dividing by c square provides us with negative value of mass. What is the significance of this mass other than reducing the total mass of system of charges? If the mass gets stored in space than what happens in region containing negative energy?

Only changes in potential energy are physically meaningful. The actual values depend critically on where you decide to put the zero point. That choice is arbitrary.