What is the maximum density of light?

Answer 1

To really answer this question you need a precise definition of "density". Probably, you are thinking of it as the "mass" per unit volume. Photons (particles of light) have *zero* what is called "rest"-mass. However, photons DO carry energy (and momentum). This mean by E=mc^2 that, in some sense, photons DO have a positive mass ... just not a positive *rest* mass.

So, the upshot of this is that there IS a maximum number of photons (of a given energy) that can occupy a fixed region in space. Eventually, the total energy/mass content of that region of will exceed the limit to form a black hole and collapse. Poof, no more photons.

You'd have to look up some equations to figure out the maximum number of photons of a given energy you could have per volume.

Answer 2

There may be no practicable limit to the "density" of light although the proper term likely is intensity. Light consists of photons which have no mass. When the atomic bomb was tested, there was an intense flash of light that could blind or burn skin even at a considerable distance from ground zero. The light propagated as the surface of a sphere growing at the speed of light which reduced the energy in accordance with the inverse square law. The intensity must have been incredible at the point of origin limited only by the size of the particular bomb. Still this would be puny when compared with the explosion of a supernova, especially near its origin.

Answer 3

To supplement Aaron's answer, photons have energy given by Plank's equation

E = h *mu

Where mu =frequency of the photon and h = Plank's constant.

Then by relativity theory

m = E/c^2

Then the effective mass of a photon is

m = h * mu / c^2

mu (frequency) also = c/L, where L = wavelength of the light,

so m = h / (c * L)

Answer 4

Zero. Light doesn't have mass or density.

Answer 5

ok the 3 answers above mine deserve the best answer

Answer 6

Here is a link that might help you:

http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Class/refrn/U14L1d.html