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Buckeye
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If the electron is a point charge, then its' charge to mass ratio approaches infinity. How does the Standard Model (QED) deal with this?
Buckeye said:If the electron is a point charge, then its' charge to mass ratio approaches infinity. How does the Standard Model (QED) deal with this?
Buckeye said:If the electron is a point charge, then its' charge to mass ratio approaches infinity.
Question...does this then mean that, if we had knowledge (not ignorance) of the physics, we would do away with renormalization ? And, if so, what would replace renormalization ?Physics Monkey said:I would assume Buckeye is referring to the fact that a point particle has a divergent electromagnetic self energy. What has not been mentioned is that the charge of the electron also diverges. As marlon said, both these divergences are dealt with by first acknowledging our ignorance of the high energy physics and then by renormalizing both parameters at each order in perturbation theory. The predictive power of the theory is restored.
Rade said:Question...does this then mean that, if we had knowledge (not ignorance) of the physics, we would do away with renormalization ? And, if so, what would replace renormalization ?
Buckeye said:If we treat the electron as a charge with a finite size, do we need to renormalize?
selfAdjoint said:Reliable? Famous perhaps, but also maybe cranky? It doesn't follow because somebody made a wonderful discovery back when, that he is today a reliable guide on controversial issues. Recall Dirac and his later life adventures.
I read 't Hooft's Nobel lecture and understand most of it. Now I'm wondering if QED moved in this direction because Dirac's theory depends on the electron and other particles to act or be point particles.marlon said:I was not talking in general terms here. In the case of Gerardus 't Hooft the situation is very clear. Well, perhaps not his visions on string theory but even with those i agree with him. But, this does not change much since we are talking about QED renormalization here
regards
marlon
QED (Quantum Electrodynamics) is a theory that describes the interactions between particles, specifically electrons, and electromagnetic fields. It takes into account both the wave-like and particle-like nature of electrons. On the other hand, the point charge of an electron refers to the electric charge that an electron possesses, which is considered to be a fundamental property of the particle.
2.QED explains the behavior of electrons by treating them as both particles and waves. It describes the interactions between electrons and electromagnetic fields, such as how they emit and absorb photons. This theory has been incredibly successful in predicting and explaining various phenomena, such as the behavior of electrons in a magnetic field.
3.Yes, the point charge of an electron plays a crucial role in determining its behavior. The electric charge of an electron allows it to interact with other charged particles and electromagnetic fields. The strength of this interaction is determined by the magnitude of the electron's charge.
4.QED and the point charge of an electron are closely related, as QED is a theory that describes the behavior of electrons, including their electric charge. In fact, QED includes the concept of the point charge of an electron in its calculations and equations to explain the interactions between particles and electromagnetic fields.
5.QED and the point charge of an electron have significant implications in many areas of science, including particle physics, cosmology, and quantum technology. For example, QED is essential in understanding the behavior of electrons in particle accelerators, while the point charge of an electron is crucial in explaining the properties of atoms and molecules. Additionally, these concepts play a role in the development of technologies such as transistors and lasers.