Does Light Have Mass? Exploring the Physics Behind This Controversial Question

Thread starter decibel
Start date Nov 26, 2003
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Light Mass

In summary, Newton assumed in his particle theory that the mass of a light particle is approaching zero, meaning that it is so close to zero it might as well be zero. Photons have a rest mass of zero (special relativity). However they have energy and are affected by gravity (general relativity). It's very hard to understand why it would have no mass..If light is distributed through 3rd/4th dimension, wouldn't it have to be mass for it to exist physically? and what about time, does it have a mass? It's very hard to understand why it would have no mass..If light is distributed through 3rd/4th dimension, wouldn't it have to be mass for

Dec 5, 2003

hey.like

mass in light particle is a secret

mass in light particle is a secret question. future it will give some new information about this nature. mass in light will be value in future. but its classcal mean is not value enough. to known light mass well . wait please!

<h2>1. Does light have mass?</h2><p>No, light does not have mass. According to the theory of relativity, mass is equivalent to energy, and light is a form of energy. Therefore, it does not have a physical mass like other particles.</p><h2>2. Why is there a controversy surrounding the mass of light?</h2><p>The controversy surrounding the mass of light stems from the fact that it exhibits properties of both particles and waves. While particles have mass, waves do not. This has led to debates and different theories about the nature of light.</p><h2>3. Can light be affected by gravity if it does not have mass?</h2><p>Yes, light can be affected by gravity even though it does not have mass. This is because gravity affects the curvature of space-time, and light follows this curvature. This phenomenon is known as gravitational lensing.</p><h2>4. How is the mass of light measured?</h2><p>The mass of light cannot be measured directly since it does not have a physical mass. However, its energy can be measured using equations such as E=mc², where E represents energy, m represents mass, and c represents the speed of light. This energy can then be used to calculate the equivalent mass of light.</p><h2>5. What are some implications of light not having mass?</h2><p>If light had mass, it would not be able to travel at the speed of light. This would have significant implications for our understanding of the universe and the laws of physics. Additionally, the fact that light does not have mass allows it to travel through a vacuum, making it essential for communication and technology such as fiber optics.</p>

1. Does light have mass?

No, light does not have mass. According to the theory of relativity, mass is equivalent to energy, and light is a form of energy. Therefore, it does not have a physical mass like other particles.

2. Why is there a controversy surrounding the mass of light?

The controversy surrounding the mass of light stems from the fact that it exhibits properties of both particles and waves. While particles have mass, waves do not. This has led to debates and different theories about the nature of light.

3. Can light be affected by gravity if it does not have mass?

Yes, light can be affected by gravity even though it does not have mass. This is because gravity affects the curvature of space-time, and light follows this curvature. This phenomenon is known as gravitational lensing.

4. How is the mass of light measured?

The mass of light cannot be measured directly since it does not have a physical mass. However, its energy can be measured using equations such as E=mc², where E represents energy, m represents mass, and c represents the speed of light. This energy can then be used to calculate the equivalent mass of light.

5. What are some implications of light not having mass?

If light had mass, it would not be able to travel at the speed of light. This would have significant implications for our understanding of the universe and the laws of physics. Additionally, the fact that light does not have mass allows it to travel through a vacuum, making it essential for communication and technology such as fiber optics.