Question:
Which is the incorrect statement of the following?
Which is the incorrect statement of the following?
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Photons have zero rest mass but carry energy and momentum, and they are affected by gravity.
Updated On: Apr 28, 2026
- Photon is a particle with zero rest mass
- Photon is a particle with zero momentum
- Photons travel with velocity of light in vacuum
- Photons even feel the pull of gravity
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Nature of photons
Photons are quanta of electromagnetic radiation (light). They have zero rest mass and always travel at the speed of light in vacuum.
Step 2: Energy and momentum of photons
Although photons have zero rest mass, they possess energy and momentum. Their energy is given by:
\(E = h\nu\) and their momentum is given by:
\(p = \frac{E}{c}\) or equivalently:
\(E = pc\)
Step 3: Key physical conclusion
Since momentum is non-zero, photons can exert radiation pressure.
Final Conclusion:
Thus, the statement claiming photons do not carry momentum is incorrect. Photons do carry momentum despite having zero rest mass.
Photons are quanta of electromagnetic radiation (light). They have zero rest mass and always travel at the speed of light in vacuum.
Step 2: Energy and momentum of photons
Although photons have zero rest mass, they possess energy and momentum. Their energy is given by:
\(E = h\nu\) and their momentum is given by:
\(p = \frac{E}{c}\) or equivalently:
\(E = pc\)
Step 3: Key physical conclusion
Since momentum is non-zero, photons can exert radiation pressure.
Final Conclusion:
Thus, the statement claiming photons do not carry momentum is incorrect. Photons do carry momentum despite having zero rest mass.
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