Can weightless particles affect the forces in the universe?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the weightlessness of elementary particles and how they can still have energy despite having no mass. This is due to the equivalence of mass and energy, which allows high energy photons to transform into other particles.
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taylordnz
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If the most elementary particles (beyond the hypothetical hypoquark, gluon, photon) and are weightless wouldn't larger particles made of them weigh notthing either and as they have no mass wouldn't the forces not be able to act upon them and not able to interact with other particles?

whats your veiw on this?
 
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Photons and gluons have zero REST mass, but they travel at the speed of light. However, they have energy. The equivalence of mass and energy resolves your question. For example, a high energy photon can (in the presence of a nucleus) change into an electron and a positron.
 

FAQ: Can weightless particles affect the forces in the universe?

What is the law of non weightlessness?

The law of non weightlessness, also known as Newton's first law of motion, states that an object at rest will remain at rest and an object in motion will continue in motion with the same velocity unless acted upon by an external force.

How does the law of non weightlessness apply to space travel?

In space, there is no gravitational force to act upon objects, so they will continue to move in a straight line at a constant speed unless acted upon by another force. This is why astronauts in space experience a feeling of weightlessness.

What other laws of motion are related to the law of non weightlessness?

The law of non weightlessness is part of Newton's three laws of motion. The second law states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. The third law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

How is the law of non weightlessness important in designing spacecraft?

The law of non weightlessness is crucial in designing spacecraft because it allows engineers to understand how objects will behave in a weightless environment. This knowledge is essential in creating systems and mechanisms that will function properly in space.

Are there any situations where the law of non weightlessness does not apply?

The law of non weightlessness applies to objects that are not acted upon by external forces. However, in the presence of external forces such as air resistance or friction, the motion of an object may be affected, and the law may not hold true. This is why spacecraft need to be designed to withstand these external forces in order to maintain their intended trajectory.

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