Why Do Photons Have No Mass: Exploring the Mysteries of Mass and Energy in Physics

Photons, the fundamental particles of light, defy the conventional understanding of particles. Unlike almost all other elementary particles, photons have no mass, yet they travel at the speed of light and possess energy. This article delves into this intriguing characteristic of photons and explores why massless particles like photons even exist in the universe.

Energy and Particles in the Universe

The universe is fundamentally made of energy, which is why it is often said that the universe is 'packed' with energy. Particles, such as photons, are a manifestation of this energy. Even devoid of mass, photons have a particle-like behavior and play a crucial role in the fabric of the universe. While photons are massless, they do not mean that particles cannot exist without mass. In fact, elementary particles can exist without mass if they travel at the speed of light, as is the case with photons.

A New Understanding of Particles

Your intuitive notion of what a particle is is rooted in high school physics. However, it is essential to understand that particles in modern physics are not what they initially seem. A particle is a quantized quantum of a field. The concept of mass in particles is not absolute but is field-dependent. While photons of the electromagnetic field have no mass, particles like electrons and quarks associated with the electron/positron and quark fields do possess mass. When three quarks combine to form a proton or neutron, the binding energy contributes to their mass via the famous equation E mc2.

The Role of the Higgs Field

Particles with mass acquire their mass through their interactions with the Higgs field. The Higgs field, with its non-zero ground state energy, induces a mechanism known as the Higgs mechanism, through which particles gain mass. Photons do not interact with the Higgs field, making them massless. However, this does not mean that they are less than physical; photons are quantized packets of the electromagnetic field and continue to exist as 'particles' of this field.

The Coulomb Force and its Mysteries

The fundamental connection of particles with charge is attributed to the Coulomb force. However, the Coulomb force is still not fully understood or described coherently. The term 'mass,' in this context, may be a misinterpretation or a shadow language for charge. The role of the Coulomb force in moving charges against their other tethers through work is a central theme. It is crucial to differentiate this from the concept of acceleration of 'mass,' where mass is defined as nuclear charge.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the absence of mass in photons is a fascinating aspect of particle physics. While photons do not have mass, they are still particles in the sense they are quantized packets of the electromagnetic field. The Higgs field is instrumental in giving mass to other particles, but photons, by not interacting with it, remain massless. The role of the Coulomb force in the behavior of charged particles remains one of the most compelling mysteries in physics. By continuing to explore and understand these phenomena, we can gain a deeper insight into the fundamental forces and particles that shape our universe.

Keywords: photons, massless particles, Higgs field, elementary particles, energy, quantum field, Higgs mechanism, Coulomb force, shadow language, charge, nuclear charge, E mc2