What happens when light moves in electromagnetic field?

In summary, an electromagnetic field is a physical field created by the movement of electrically charged particles. Light interacts with this field by causing the electric and magnetic fields to oscillate, creating a ripple effect. This oscillation creates a wave-like pattern that carries energy and information through space. However, an electromagnetic field does not affect the speed of light, which remains constant. The field can, however, bend or change the direction of light, which is known as refraction and is used in lenses and prisms.
  • #1
aditya23456
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we know light bends and loses energy when it travels in gravity..what abt influence on light when it travels in EM field..similarly can anyone trace out what happens in weak and strong force fields as welll.I guess its complex..
 
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  • #2
There is a chance that two photons annihilate and create a particle-antiparticle pair for a very short time. These particle may be charged and therefore may react more strongly with the background electromagnetic field before they recombine. The net effect is a very small change of the polarization. See vacuum birefringence

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birefringence
 

1. What is an electromagnetic field?

An electromagnetic field is a physical field that is created by the movement of electrically charged particles. It is composed of both an electric field and a magnetic field, which are perpendicular to each other and oscillate in a wave-like pattern.

2. How does light interact with an electromagnetic field?

Light is an electromagnetic wave, so it interacts with an electromagnetic field in a similar way as other electromagnetic waves. As the light travels through the field, it causes the electric and magnetic fields to oscillate, creating a ripple effect.

3. What happens when light moves in an electromagnetic field?

When light moves in an electromagnetic field, it causes the electric and magnetic fields to oscillate. This oscillation creates a wave-like pattern that propagates through space, carrying energy and information.

4. How does an electromagnetic field affect the speed of light?

An electromagnetic field does not affect the speed of light. The speed of light is a constant, which means it does not change regardless of the presence or strength of an electromagnetic field.

5. Can an electromagnetic field bend or change the direction of light?

Yes, an electromagnetic field can bend or change the direction of light. This is known as refraction and is caused by the change in speed of light as it travels through different mediums or fields. This phenomenon is used in lenses and prisms to manipulate the direction of light.

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