Is the Electromagnetic Field Omnipresent Throughout the Universe?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter San K
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Fields
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of the electromagnetic (EM) field, specifically questioning whether it is omnipresent throughout the universe or if photons generate an EM field around them. The scope includes theoretical perspectives from quantum field theory and considerations of the cosmic microwave background.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the electromagnetic field exists in all space-time, aligning with the theoretical foundations of quantum field theory.
  • One participant argues that a photon cannot create an EM field due to its lack of electric charge.
  • Another participant suggests that photons are ubiquitous, referencing the cosmic microwave background as evidence of their presence.
  • A suggestion is made to clarify the discussion by distinguishing between existing and excited states of the EM field.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the omnipresence of the EM field and the role of photons in generating it, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without a consensus.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of the EM field and the properties of photons, which may not be fully articulated or agreed upon by all participants.

San K
Messages
905
Reaction score
1
To keep it simpler let take the electromagnetic (EM) field.

A photon, in one perspective, can be described as an excitation of the EM field.



Is the EM field omnipresent in all (time-space) the universe?

or

Does the photon creates/emit an EM field around it?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
San K said:
To keep it simpler let take the electromagnetic (EM) field.

A photon, in one perspective, can be described as an excitation of the EM field.



Is the EM field omnipresent in all (time-space) the universe?

or

Does the photon creates/emit an EM field around it?

I would say the electromagnetic field (or more precisel, the electromagnetic potential field) exists in all space-time. This is the usual quantum field theory theoretical basis (not only for photons, but all particles too) which is used to construct the standard model. Also, a photon cannot 'create' an EM field as it has no electric charge.
 
Hi San K! :smile:
San K said:
To Is the EM field omnipresent in all (time-space) the universe?

Photons are everywhere anyway!

(eg the cosmic microwave background :wink:)
 
If you change the title to existing and excited. Voila
 
Thanks Kevin, tiny-tim and RGauld.

Lol RGauld...good idea.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K