2006-08-07 08:48:29 · 2 answers · asked by goring 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
The term "virtual particle" applies, by definition, to particles that cannot be directly observed or measured. Therefore, the question of their possessing mass or volume is irrelevant. However, physicists assume (because it works) that any virtual particle has exactly the same characteristics as its corresponding "real" particle. That's why they have the same names.
2006-08-07 08:52:51 · answer #1 · answered by stevewbcanada 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because virtual particles are created and annihilated before any direct observation of said particles can be attained, only the mass/energy of said particles is really important. the idea of virtual particles can be replaced by an idea of free floating energy, waiting to be used. For these particles, mass has very little meaning, because of the close relationship between mass and energy.
2006-08-10 00:27:00 · answer #2 · answered by Roger N 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋