What is a Photon? - Mass, Momentum, Speed & Wavelength

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SUMMARY

A photon is defined as a packet of electromagnetic energy, quantized light energy that does not possess mass but has momentum due to its energy. The relationship between energy and momentum is described by the equation E=pc. Photons travel at the speed of light, which is intrinsic to their nature as light particles. Their wavelength can be calculated using the De Broglie wave equation, λ=h/p, where h represents Planck's constant and p denotes momentum.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic energy
  • Familiarity with the concept of momentum
  • Knowledge of Planck's constant
  • Basic grasp of wave-particle duality
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of E=pc in quantum mechanics
  • Study the electromagnetic spectrum and its properties
  • Explore the De Broglie wave equation in detail
  • Investigate the role of photons in quantum field theory
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, researchers in quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the fundamental properties of light and its behavior in various contexts.

smatik
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What is a photon?
Does it have mass?(if no then why it has momentum)
it travels with speed of light?
Has it some wavelength associated with it,that can be calculated by De Broglie wave equation?
 
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A photon is a packet of Electromagnetic Energy. Quantized light energy.

A photon doesn't have mass but it has energy which is why it has momentum. E=pc.

It travels at the speed of light because it IS light. Photons are the particle aspect of light. Light does have a measurable wavelength obviously, hence the EM spectrum. To calculate its de broglie wavelength calculate λ=h/p, h is planks constant, p is momentum.
 

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