The virtual photon can turn into a virtual electron positron?

In summary, virtual photons are a property of a theoretical model and cannot be directly observed. In this model, there is a possibility for a virtual photon to turn into a virtual electron-positron pair, but this should not be taken too literally. The more complex the process, the smaller its contribution to the calculated probability amplitude.
  • #1
Philipsmett
78
4
for example, when does an electron repel another electron with an electromagnetic disturbance?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Philipsmett said:
when does an electron repel another electron with an electromagnetic disturbance?

I'm not sure what you mean. Can you narrow your question to a specific experimental scenario or a specific theoretical model?
 
  • #3
Philipsmett said:
for example, when does an electron repel another electron with an electromagnetic disturbance?
Same charges always repel.
How is this question related to the topic of this thread?
 
  • #4
PeterDonis said:
I'm not sure what you mean. Can you narrow your question to a specific experimental scenario or a specific theoretical model?
when two electrons repel by virtual photon, can this photon transform into virtual electron positron pair?
 
  • #5
Philipsmett said:
when two electrons repel by virtual photon, can this photon transform into virtual electron positron pair?

If you mean, can we observe this, no. We don't even observe virtual photons exchanged by electrons that are repelling each other; virtual photons are a property of a particular theoretical model. In that theoretical model, yes, some of the probability amplitude for electrons to repel each other is due to the creation (and destruction) of virtual electron-positron pairs from (and to) virtual photons. But this theoretical model has significant limitations and should not be taken too literally. We have an Insights article that discusses this:

https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/misconceptions-virtual-particles/
 
  • Like
Likes Philipsmett
  • #6
PeterDonis said:
If you mean, can we observe this, no. We don't even observe virtual photons exchanged by electrons that are repelling each other; virtual photons are a property of a particular theoretical model. In that theoretical model, yes, some of the probability amplitude for electrons to repel each other is due to the creation (and destruction) of virtual electron-positron pairs from (and to) virtual photons. But this theoretical model has significant limitations and should not be taken too literally. We have an Insights article that discusses this:

https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/misconceptions-virtual-particles/
Want to say that there is a possibility
that a virtual photon on its way turns into a virtual electron positron pair?
But as far as I understand, the more complex the process, the less likely it is to origin?
 
  • #7
Philipsmett said:
Want to say that there is a possibility
that a virtual photon on its way turns into a virtual electron positron pair?

This describes a particular Feynman diagram that contributes to the calculated probability amplitude, yes. But, as I've already noted and as the Insights article goes into in some detail, this viewpoint has significant limitations and should not be taken too literally.

Philipsmett said:
as far as I understand, the more complex the process, the less likely it is to origin?

The more vertexes there are in the Feynman diagram, the smaller its contribution to the calculated probability amplitude. (Note that this is true because the coupling constant for quantum electrodynamics is small; for an interaction like the strong nuclear force where the coupling constant is not small, the statement is not true, which makes it much, much harder to study such interactions using this method.)
 

What is a virtual photon?

A virtual photon is a particle that is not directly observable but is instead a mathematical construct used to describe the interactions between particles in quantum field theory. It carries the electromagnetic force and can turn into other particles, such as a virtual electron-positron pair.

How can a virtual photon turn into a virtual electron-positron pair?

In quantum field theory, particles are constantly fluctuating in and out of existence. This includes virtual particles, such as virtual photons. These virtual particles can interact with each other, and under certain conditions, a virtual photon can "split" into a virtual electron-positron pair.

What is the significance of a virtual photon turning into a virtual electron-positron pair?

This process is important in understanding the behavior of particles and their interactions. It also plays a role in phenomena such as the emission and absorption of light, as well as other fundamental processes in the universe.

Can a virtual electron-positron pair become real particles?

Yes, under certain conditions, a virtual electron-positron pair can become real particles. This can happen in high-energy collisions, where the energy is sufficient to "materialize" the virtual particles into real ones.

How does the virtual photon contribute to the electromagnetic force?

The virtual photon is the carrier particle of the electromagnetic force, meaning it is responsible for transmitting the force between charged particles. This force is crucial in holding atoms and molecules together and is one of the four fundamental forces in nature.

Similar threads

  • Quantum Physics
Replies
6
Views
530
Replies
2
Views
895
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
29
Views
2K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
3
Views
237
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
973
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
10
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
748
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
2
Views
928
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
761
Back
Top