In order to start going into the topic, let us consider two alternatives. If we think that the photon dies out when absorbed then there is not much to talk about. However, if we consider the second alternative, lets us point out that in loosing its energy it becomes unobservable since our senses as well as all our apparatus need an energy transfer to achieve any detection.

So, if photons do survive after being absorbed they thus became ghost photons, i.e. invisible. Evidently this is problematic. But let us not dismiss so fast.

Let us make an imperfect analogy between a photon and a spring. If the spring vibrates it has an oscillatory energy. If it transfers its oscillatory energy to an external material it looses its energy, but the spring is still alive, it has not disappeared. Well, if you see the photon as an oscillator then the analogy makes some sense.

Let us address now a still more controversial issue. Let us suppose that if the spring is not stressed it has no strain mass. But if it is vibrating it has then just energy without having mass, and this analogically applies to the photon.

Well, let now consider the case of a stressed spring that is vibrating. It has then mass and energy. Again, analogically this applies to massive elementary particles.

Why should we appeal to very complicated models and theories? Is it really worthy?

Those interested in this viewpoint and willing to go deeper into this issue may read the paper: “Space, this great unknown”, available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301585930_Space_this_great_unknown

Article Space, this great unknown

More Georges Sardin's questions See All
Similar questions and discussions