- #1
Kamataat
- 137
- 0
Hi!
I understand that according to E=mc^2 any normal object can't reach the speed of light because the energy of its motion increases its mass and thus you'd need an infinite amount of energy to reach c. However, it is said that objects with no mass (i.e. photons) travel at the speed of light. Why is it said that they have no mass? Isn't it true that even they have a rest mass (because their energy can never be zero even at rest according to the Heisenberg Uncertainity Principle)? If so, then how can they reach the speed of light if they have a mass like any other object or particle?
P.S. I know only high school mathematics and physics so please try to avoid anything more serious. I only want to get a simple explanation of the principles.
- Kamataat
I understand that according to E=mc^2 any normal object can't reach the speed of light because the energy of its motion increases its mass and thus you'd need an infinite amount of energy to reach c. However, it is said that objects with no mass (i.e. photons) travel at the speed of light. Why is it said that they have no mass? Isn't it true that even they have a rest mass (because their energy can never be zero even at rest according to the Heisenberg Uncertainity Principle)? If so, then how can they reach the speed of light if they have a mass like any other object or particle?
P.S. I know only high school mathematics and physics so please try to avoid anything more serious. I only want to get a simple explanation of the principles.
- Kamataat