Can the mass of light be calculated?  The Heisenberg Uncertainty principle states that it can't, since when ever something is measured it is changed.  Thus the conclusion is that light has two properties.  It has a wave property that is separate from its particle property.  It does two things at once. Therefore this definition means the particle is not a characteristic of the wave and the wave is not a characteristic of the particle.

How can mass be calculated? 

According to Newton:  For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.  The statement means that in every interaction, there is a pair of forces acting on the two interacting objects. The size of the forces on the first object equals the size of the force on the second object.     F=MA  (Force equals mass times acceleration)  Thus, the mass of the photon can be calculated.  I encourage the reader to solve this mathematical problem.

 

The mass of an electron is 9.109 382 15(45) × 10–31 kg[1]

To move an electron it will take at least the mass of an electron to move it from one place to another based on Newton's third law.  So, when enough sunlight (energy) is absorbed by the material (a semiconductor), electrons are dislodged from the material's atoms.  These electrons do not move on their own, they must be pushed.  Thus Newton's third law comes into play.  This is significant, because it shows that the wave could be proven to be a characteristic of the particle.

 

Sunlight is composed of photons, or particles of solar energy.  These photons contain various amounts of energy corresponding to the different wavelengths of the solar spectrum.  When photons strike a photovoltaic cell, they may be reflected, pass right through, or be absorbed.  Only the absorbed photons provide energy to generate electricity.  When enough sunlight (energy) is absorbed by the material (a semiconductor), electrons are dislodged from the material's atoms.  Special treatment of the material surface during manufacturing makes the front surface of the cell more receptive to free electrons, so the electrons naturally migrate to the surface. 
 

Photovoltaic Cell

When the electrons leave their position, holes are formed. When many electrons, each carrying a negative charge, travel toward the front surface of the cell, the resulting imbalance of charge between the cell's front and back surfaces creates a voltage potential like the negative and positive terminals of a battery. When the two surfaces are connected through an external load, electricity flows.  http://www.solcomhouse.com/solarpower.htm

 

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