- #1
Quarlep
- 257
- 4
Can light travels without electromagnetic field ?
Thanks
Thanks
Can light travels without electromagnetic field ?
- Thread starter Quarlep
- Start date
In summary, light is a traveling electromagnetic field that cannot travel without the presence of the EM field. This is because light is a wave within the EM field itself and requires it to propagate. However, under certain conditions, such as with the use of metallic surfaces and plasmons, light can be made to appear as though it is traveling without an EM field. Ultimately, light and EM fields are interconnected and cannot exist without each other.
- #2
Einj
- 470
- 59
Light IS a traveling electromagnetic field.
- #3
Drakkith
Mentor
- 22,913
- 7,264
Light is a wave within the electromagnetic field itself. So no, it cannot travel without the EM field.
- #4
athosanian
- 67
- 8
yes , light in the nature is a electromagnetic wave and there are other forms of electromagnetic wave which are not visible. for example, X-ray, infrared light, radio wave. electromangeic wave is a name give for a large number of things.
- #5
UltrafastPED
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 1,914
- 216
Quarlep said:
It depends upon what qualifies as "travel" ... for instance, when light strikes a surface that contains very small holes ... smaller than the wavelength of the light ... then the light cannot propagate inside of the holes.
However, if the front and back sides of the surface, and the interior of the holes are metallic, then the impinging light can create plasmons, a quantum quasi-particle, then these plasmons can propagate through the holes, and when they reach the back side of the material they act as little antennas which regenerate the light that was incident on the other side of the holes.
Plasmons have both electric and magnetic fields associated with them, so perhaps this violates rule two.
- #6
davenn
Science Advisor
Gold Member
2023 Award
- 9,590
- 10,269
UltrafastPED said:
Nice one, UltrafastPED, something totally new to me ... had to google plasmon to learn more
Dave
- #7
- 24,492
- 15,012
The point is that Answer #2 is already correct. Light is an electromagnetic field. It doesn't make any sense to ask, wheter light can travel without an electromagnetic field. If there is no electromagnetic field, there is no light. It's as simple as that :-).
- #8
Quarlep
- 257
- 4
Thanks
1. Can light travel without an electromagnetic field?
No, light is an electromagnetic wave and therefore cannot exist without an accompanying electromagnetic field. The electric and magnetic fields are intertwined and work together to propagate the light wave through space.
2. What is the importance of the electromagnetic field in light propagation?
The electromagnetic field is crucial for light to travel because it carries the energy and information of the light wave. It also determines the direction and speed of the light wave.
3. Can light travel through a vacuum without an electromagnetic field?
No, even in a vacuum, light cannot travel without an accompanying electromagnetic field. In fact, a vacuum is defined as a space devoid of matter but still containing an electromagnetic field.
4. How does the electromagnetic field interact with matter to produce light?
When an electrically charged particle, such as an electron, is accelerated, it creates a disturbance in the electromagnetic field, which then propagates as a light wave. In other words, the electromagnetic field interacts with matter to produce light.
5. Can light travel without a medium?
Yes, light can travel through a vacuum, which is essentially a space without a medium. This is because the electromagnetic field can propagate through empty space without the need for a physical medium.
Similar threads
-
Electromagnetism
-
Electromagnetism
-
Electromagnetism
-
Electromagnetism
-
Electromagnetism
-
Electromagnetism
-
Electromagnetism
-
Electromagnetism
-
Electromagnetism
-
Electromagnetism