QED & Static Electricity: Is There a Connection?

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SUMMARY

The discussion confirms that static electricity is fundamentally linked to quantum electrodynamics (QED) through the exchange of virtual photons. While static electricity is often viewed as a classical phenomenon, it is rooted in the electromagnetic interactions described by quantum field theory (QFT). The conversation emphasizes that particles involved, such as electrons and ions, exhibit thermal movement, and modern interpretations of QFT consider finite temperatures, not just absolute zero.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Quantum Electrodynamics (QED)
  • Familiarity with Quantum Field Theory (QFT)
  • Basic knowledge of electromagnetic interactions
  • Concept of virtual particles in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of Quantum Electrodynamics (QED)
  • Explore the implications of Quantum Field Theory (QFT) at finite temperatures
  • Study the role of virtual photons in electromagnetic interactions
  • Examine classical versus quantum descriptions of static electricity
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Physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the relationship between classical and quantum theories of electricity.

skywolf
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so i was reading about QED, and it said that when 2 charged particles repelled each other, it was because of virtual photons. is it true then that static electricity is caused by virtual photons, or is it an entirely different force all toghether?
 
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It is true. The electromagnetic interaction in quantum theories is described by the exchange of virtual photons.
 
And one more thing: static electricity is a classical (very rough) concept. I mean those particles (electrons and ions) still have thermal movement. Actually, we say that QFT is mainly thought and made at 0 K. Modern texts treat QFT also at finite temperature, meaning T>0 K.

Daniel.
 

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