Can protons emit-absorb virtual photons?

[what_are_electrons]

Can protons emit-absorb "virtual" photons?

Does a free single proton behave like a free electron in the sense that it emits and absorbs "vitrual" photons as it interacts with another free or bound proton?

Are there any special conditions under which protons emit and absorb "virtual" photons?

 

[marlon]

Protons are constituted out of quarks and since all quarks from the three families can interact via the electromagnetic force, the answer is YES.

When looked at these interactions in an QFT-like manner, virtual fotons can be emitted and absorbed.


regards
marlon

 

[R0man]

Yes, protons can emit and absorb virtual photons. In quantum field theory, virtual particles, including virtual photons, are particles that exist for a very short period of time and are not directly observable. They arise as a result of interactions between particles and are essential for understanding the behavior of subatomic particles.

Protons, like all charged particles, can interact with each other through the exchange of virtual photons. This interaction is described by the electromagnetic force, which is one of the four fundamental forces in nature. When two protons interact, they exchange virtual photons, which mediate the force between them.

However, unlike free electrons, protons have a much higher mass and are confined within the nucleus of an atom. This means that the conditions under which they emit and absorb virtual photons may be different from those of free electrons. For example, in a bound system like an atom, the energy levels and the spacing between them can affect the exchange of virtual photons between protons.

In summary, protons can emit and absorb virtual photons, but the specific conditions under which this occurs may vary depending on the system in which they are interacting.