I’ve been laboring under the impression that photons are massless. But I’m now reading Einstein’s Universe by Nigel Calder in which he claims that Einstein said light is heavy
In some ways, it does seem that light must have mass. How could gravity bend light or trap light in a black hole if it had no mass? At the same time light doesn’t have the second property of matter. It doesn’t take up space. It wouldn’t be able to pass through solid objects such as glass, plastic. Or ice if it took up space. Only in intense concentration (laser) does light appear to take up space and move material objects out of its way.
So, are we making a difference between mass and matter? Between photons and light?
In some ways, it does seem that light must have mass. How could gravity bend light or trap light in a black hole if it had no mass? At the same time light doesn’t have the second property of matter. It doesn’t take up space. It wouldn’t be able to pass through solid objects such as glass, plastic. Or ice if it took up space. Only in intense concentration (laser) does light appear to take up space and move material objects out of its way.
So, are we making a difference between mass and matter? Between photons and light?
The god who allows children to be raped out of respect for the free will choice of the rapist, but punishes gay men for engaging in mutually consensual sex couldn't possibly be responsible for an intelligently designed universe.
I may defend your right to free speech, but i won't help you pass out flyers.
Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.
--Voltaire
Nietzsche isn't dead. How do I know he lives? He lives in my mind.
I may defend your right to free speech, but i won't help you pass out flyers.
Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.
--Voltaire
Nietzsche isn't dead. How do I know he lives? He lives in my mind.
