Why must charge be attached to mass?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the relationship between charge and mass, particularly why charge is generally associated with mass in particles. Participants explore theoretical implications, experimental observations, and various models related to this concept, touching on classical electrodynamics, quantum field theory, and hypothetical scenarios.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question why charge must be associated with mass, suggesting that there may be unresolved issues with massless charged particles.
  • One participant notes that the lightest charged particle, the electron, has mass, implying that other charged particles must also have mass, although this raises questions about the nature of neutrinos and their relationship to mass.
  • Another participant discusses the implications of reducing the mass of the electron while keeping its charge constant, proposing that this could lead to significant modifications in electromagnetic theory and observable phenomena.
  • Some participants reference the concept of spin-charge separation in condensed matter physics, suggesting that mass and charge may not always be coupled in the same way as traditionally thought.
  • There are mentions of the theoretical framework of weak hypercharge and its relationship to massless charged particles, with some arguing that mass and charge could potentially be independent under certain conditions.
  • One participant cites Penrose's essay, which argues against the existence of massless charged particles based on pair annihilation processes, adding complexity to the discussion.
  • Concerns are raised about the assumptions in classical electrodynamics regarding the attachment of charge to mass, questioning the foundational aspects of field theory.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the relationship between charge and mass, with no consensus reached. Some argue for a strong connection, while others propose that this relationship may not be as straightforward as traditionally assumed.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in current understanding, including the dependence on definitions of charge and mass, and the implications of quantum field theory versus classical physics. There are also unresolved mathematical steps regarding the implications of massless charged particles.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying theoretical physics, particularly in the areas of particle physics, quantum field theory, and condensed matter physics.

  • #31
Defennder said:
Well to be unnecessarily pedantic, he asked why charges cannot be massless. He didn't ask why mass did not have to be associated with charges, something which your link would bear more relevance to.

Light does not have restmass, but does it have charge?
 
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  • #32
No, light does not have charge, according to currently accepted theory or any efforts to detect it experimentally.
 
  • #33
ZapperZ said:
Where do you find charges "attracted" by mass? An electron is not attracted by a neutron.

Zz.

So you mean that the hydrogen and the deuterium lines are the same?
 

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