Photons, despite having zero rest mass, possess momentum due to their energy and the principles of quantum mechanics. The relationship between energy and momentum for photons is described by the equation p = E/c, where p is momentum, E is energy, and c is the speed of light. This understanding distinguishes photons from classical particles, as they behave according to the rules of relativity. The discussion highlights the importance of grasping these concepts to comprehend how massless particles can still exhibit momentum. Overall, the clarification of photon momentum stems from an understanding of their unique properties in physics.
