Light Particles: Smallest Known Particles and Their Differences

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    Light Particles
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the nature of light particles, specifically photons, and their characteristics compared to the smallest known particles in physics. Participants explore the implications of photons being point particles, their energy properties, and the differences between various types of light based on energy and frequency.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether light particles, if they exist, would be smaller than currently recognized particles.
  • One participant states that the defining characteristic of photons is energy, noting that ultraviolet light has more energy than visible light.
  • It is proposed that all fundamental particles, including photons, are point particles with no size, leading to the assertion that they all have the same size, which is none.
  • A participant raises a question about how a point particle can possess energy, suggesting a relationship between volume and energy that becomes undefined as volume approaches zero.
  • Another participant mentions that the exact geometry of fundamental particles is unknown and references string theory as an alternative model that posits particles as small strings.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of light particles and their properties, particularly regarding their size and energy. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views presented.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the assumptions made about the geometry and energy of fundamental particles, as well as the implications of treating them as point particles. The discussion does not resolve the mathematical implications of energy and volume relationships.

Tyson
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If light particles do exist, then would they be smaller than the smallest particles currently recognised? Also if light contains particles, are the paticles of kinds of light, for example ultra violet vrs red, different, or would they probably be the same particles moving under different circumstances?
 
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The defining characteristic of photons is energy. Ultraviolet have more energy than visible, etc.
 
Light particles do exists, but take note that they are not classical particles.
All fundamental particles are point particles, this includes for example electrons or quarks, the building blocks of protons and neutrons, or photons ("light particles").
So they all have the same size, none.
And as was already said color is commonly understood to go back to frequency of the light which means energy.
 
Thinkmarble said:
Light particles do exists, but take note that they are not classical particles.
All fundamental particles are point particles, this includes for example electrons or quarks, the building blocks of protons and neutrons, or photons ("light particles").
So they all have the same size, none.
And as was already said color is commonly understood to go back to frequency of the light which means energy.
If a light particle (photon) is indeed a point particle with no volume, how can it have energy?
Here’s my thought, let's say the volume of a solid has an amount of energy, then the sum of the volume times its energy would equal some constant.
V*E=C therefore E=C/V
So, as the volume decreases the energy level will increase, but if the volume is reduced to 0, the equation is undefined. Ergo, how can a point of energy exist without volume? I presume the mass to have remained constant.
 
The exact geometry of fundamental particles is unknown. Assuming they are points is a useful approximation. String theory asserts they are actually small strings, but this idea has a long way to go.
 

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