Is There Mass Associated With Information Transfer?

When i transfer files over my wireless network, do these files have a mass whilst they are travelling wirelessly from computer to router, and if they do does the mass increase the larger the files?
- james (age 36)
UK

Hello James,

To first order, i.e. in the non-relativistic approximation,  the answer is no.   However the information is carried by modulation of electro-magnetic waves.   These waves have an energy density therefore, ala Einstein, have an 'effective' mass of  m = E/c².    It is hardly measurable but it is there.   A longer message will take a longer time to transmit therefore the total "mass" transferred will be proportionally more. 

 

LeeH

(published on 05/15/2014)