Light prapogate as wave or particle?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the nature of light, specifically whether it propagates as a wave or a particle. A beginner posits that as the speed of a particle increases, its mass increases, suggesting that light behaves as a particle during propagation. However, it is established that light has zero rest mass, and thus the concept of "relativistic mass" does not apply in the same way. For accurate understanding, it is recommended to consult the Relativity FAQ subforum for further clarification.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Special Relativity
  • Knowledge of the concept of rest mass and relativistic mass
  • Familiarity with wave-particle duality
  • Basic principles of light propagation
NEXT STEPS
  • Read the Relativity FAQ subforum in the Relativity Forum
  • Study the principles of wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the implications of zero rest mass in physics
  • Investigate the behavior of photons in different mediums
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators, and anyone interested in the fundamental properties of light and its behavior in the context of relativity and quantum mechanics.

Garvi
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Well, i am beginner with this topic. As the speed of particle increases its mass increases.thus i think that light emitted or radiated in form of wave and during propagation its velocity is high so it should behave as particle. Is it true and if not than what is true reason?
 
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Garvi said:
Well, i am beginner with this topic. As the speed of particle increases its mass increases.thus i think that light emitted or radiated in form of wave and during propagation its velocity is high so it should behave as particle. Is it true and if not than what is true reason?

Your understanding of Special Relativity is faulty, and thus, your application of it is invalid.

Light has ZERO rest mass. Thus, even accepting the flaky concept of "relativistic mass", the relativistic mass of a "particle" that has zero rest mass is STILL zero!

Read the Relativity FAQ subforum in the Relativity Forum.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=511175

Zz.
 
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