Why Doesn't Light Increase in Mass at High Speeds?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the nature of light and its interaction with mass and energy at high speeds. It clarifies that photons are massless particles, which allows them to travel at the speed of light (c) without gaining mass. The conversation highlights that while light is not affected by its own speed, it is influenced by gravity due to the curvature of spacetime caused by massive objects. This understanding aligns with principles discussed in quantum physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum physics principles
  • Familiarity with the concept of massless particles
  • Knowledge of spacetime and gravity interactions
  • Basic comprehension of the speed of light (c)
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  • Research the properties of photons and their behavior in quantum mechanics
  • Explore Einstein's theory of general relativity and its implications on light
  • Study the concept of spacetime curvature and its effects on light paths
  • Investigate experimental evidence supporting the massless nature of photons
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Students of physics, quantum mechanics enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the fundamental properties of light and its relationship with mass and gravity.

idiosyncratic
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I've been reading a lot about quantam physics and whatnot mostly for entertainment, but it suddenly hit me today that I didn't realize something. Why doesn't light get infinitely heavy, and therefore take an infinite amount of energy to move it? I've always accepted both the heavy, energy, and time factors of moving at the speed of light, but why isn't light itself affected by its movement? I must have missed something crucial. What further confused me is that light is affected by gravity, but not by its own speed.

Here's the question (just for a recap)

1. Why doesn't light get infinitely heavy, there fore taking an infinite amount of energy to move it?
 
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Photons are massless? Massless particles, if I am not wrong, only travel at c. We experimentally find them to be as massless as possible. They are affected by gravity because they travel in curved paths which are caused by masses as they bend spacetime.
 
Ohhh! Now I think I get it. :-) Thanks for the answer!
 

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