Abstract
Mass, an inherent property of matter, is calculated directly for the photon particle from the very classical principles of the kinetic theory of gases. That concept of photon mass is nearly as old as physics itself and in fact nothing prevents this approach to be carried out for a so-called quantum particle, not even its minute size. It is not an end result with no perspective nor other outcome. Quite the opposite, a single ponderable tiny photon frees the mind of old ways of thinking and opens up new paths to a broad field of investigation where the very large can then be described and explained by the very small. This reality of a non-zero mass suddenly shows up in the interpretation of many experiments which become clear and simple to comprehend. Besides, that same key particle has the potential to unlock and solve some long lasting major observational issues or enigmas. All this converges upon its acknowledgment and acceptance. Mass, an inherent property of matter, is calculated directly for the photon particle from the very classical principles of the kinetic theory of gases. That concept of photon mass is nearly as old as physics itself and in fact nothing prevents this approach to be carried out for a so-called quantum particle, not even its minute size. It is not an end result with no perspective nor other outcome. Quite the opposite, a single ponderable tiny photon frees the mind of old ways of thinking and opens up new paths to a broad field of investigation where the very large can then be described and explained by the very small. This reality of a non-zero mass suddenly shows up in the interpretation of many experiments which become clear and simple to comprehend. Besides, that same key particle has the potential to unlock and solve some long lasting major observational issues or enigmas. All this converges upon its acknowledgment and acceptance.
Highlights
Is there a contradiction regarding the photon particle or a special case as if nature would be exception-tolerant? Conventional physics has established that a photon has both energy and momentum p, but curiously does not have a real mass despite the well accepted Newton's second law of motion (F = dp/dt = m dv/dt = ma) yet no experiment has ever ruled out a real mass for it and very strong doubts remain about this hidden reality
This is to the point that many attempts have been made [1] mostly with cosmic observations to find a photon mass resulting in widely different upper limits ranging from less than 10-36 kg to less than 10-54 kg but nothing has been firmly established
With that temperature as the sole parameter, accurate calculations can be done to find the mass of a photon by just using the nineteen century kinetic theory of gases along with statistical mechanics originally developed for molecules and atoms and applied down to the ultra-small scale of photon particles which form a true ideal gas in space
Summary
Conventional physics has established that a photon has both energy and momentum p, but curiously does not have a real mass despite the well accepted Newton's second law of motion (F = dp/dt = m dv/dt = ma) yet no experiment has ever ruled out a real mass for it and very strong doubts remain about this hidden reality This is to the point that many attempts have been made [1] mostly with cosmic observations to find a photon mass resulting in widely different upper limits ranging from less than 10-36 kg to less than 10-54 kg but nothing has been firmly established. These considerations put aside, this question will be settled by the search for a direct relationship between the wave associated with photons forming a medium of gas and the derived mass of the photon
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
