Exploring the Physics of Mass & Space

In summary, the conversation discusses questions about the nature of the universe, including whether every bit of information in the universe has mass, if light has mass due to its interaction with gravity, and the composition of space. The concept of mass and its relation to gravity is also explored. The conversation ends with a quote from Democritus about the potential insignificance of matter in the grand scheme of things.
  • #1
MaNiFeST
36
0
Is every bit of information (anything) in the Universe have mass?

Also, light has to have mass because it is affected by gravity, correct?

Last question, What is "space", not just outer-space but also the space we "live" in, made of? Is it filled with an infinite(or really big amount) amount of atoms?
So, if this where true you could say that the Universe is just filled with an infinite (or really big amount) amount of atoms that make up everything...

Sorry, I really like Physics but just have so many questions.
 
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  • #2
MaNiFeST said:
Is every bit of information (anything) in the Universe have mass?

Also, light has to have mass because it is affected by gravity, correct?

Last question, What is "space", not just outer-space but also the space we "live" in, made of? Is it filled with an infinite(or really big amount) amount of atoms?
So, if this where true you could say that the Universe is just filled with an infinite (or really big amount) amount of atoms that make up everything...

Sorry, I really like Physics but just have so many questions.

The universe is made of both mass and energy. Light is made up of a particles called photons. Photons are massless.

Other people can answer your other questions
 
  • #3
But if mass is affected by gravity, then it has to have mass. Light bends millions of miles away from the source.
 
  • #4
MaNiFeST said:
But if mass is affected by gravity, then it has to have mass. Light bends millions of miles away from the source.

When it is said that "light has no mass" it is meant that the proper mass (aka "rest mass") of photons is zero. However the photon does have a non-zero inertial mass (aka "relativistic mass") and that is the mass that is affected by gravity.

Pete
 
  • #5
Light is affected by space-time, space-time is affected by gravity, and gravity is created by mass, energy and pressure.
 
  • #6
MaNiFeST said:
Is every bit of information (anything) in the Universe have mass?

Curious wording. Actually, there have been attempts to link the information content of the universe (in a Shannon's kind of sense) to the unexplained "dark energy".
 
  • #7
Mentz114 said:
Light is affected by space-time, space-time is affected by gravity, and gravity is created by mass, energy and pressure.
You forgot momentum too. That's why the tensor is called the stress-energy-momentum tensor.

Pete
 
  • #8
Throughout scientific history, force and matter were the underlying concepts in all endeavors to understand nature. Much effort has been directed to reducing the apparent complexity of the physical world to these fundamental perceptions. This idea was expressed even in the work of the Atomist, Democritus, 23 centuries ago:

"By convention sweet is sweet, hot is hot, color is color...
But in reality, only the atoms and the void are real"

From what we know today, perhaps the world is even less substantive

Maybe only the void is real.

Yogi
 
  • #9
Yes, I did forget momentum too.

Thanks, PMB.
 

FAQ: Exploring the Physics of Mass & Space

What is mass and how is it related to space?

Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object. It is related to space through the concept of density, which is the mass per unit volume of an object. In space, objects with a higher mass will have a stronger gravitational pull, which affects the curvature of space.

How does Einstein's theory of relativity relate to mass and space?

Einstein's theory of relativity explains the relationship between mass, energy, and space. It states that mass and energy are interchangeable and that the presence of mass causes a curvature in space, affecting the motion of objects around it.

What is the significance of the Higgs boson in understanding mass?

The Higgs boson is a subatomic particle that is responsible for giving mass to other particles through the Higgs field. Its discovery in 2012 confirmed the Standard Model of particle physics and provided a better understanding of how mass is generated in the universe.

How does the concept of space-time affect our understanding of mass and the universe?

The concept of space-time, introduced by Einstein's theory of relativity, unites space and time as one entity. This means that the mass of an object not only affects the curvature of space but also the flow of time. It also helps explain phenomena such as gravitational time dilation and black holes.

Can mass and space be created or destroyed?

According to the law of conservation of mass, mass cannot be created or destroyed but can only be converted into other forms. Similarly, space is a fundamental aspect of the universe and cannot be created or destroyed, but it can expand or contract due to the effects of gravity and other forces.

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