Are all photons the same or do they have different properties?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of photons, specifically whether all photons are identical or if they possess different characteristics. Participants explore concepts related to light photons and force-mediating photons, touching on aspects of quantum electrodynamics (QED) and the nature of electromagnetic fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that all photons are identical, differing only in energy, wavelength, and direction.
  • Others argue that there may be differences in lifetime and the role of photons in mediating forces in the electromagnetic field.
  • A participant questions how identical photons can interact differently with charged particles, such as protons and electrons, suggesting a complexity in understanding QED.
  • One participant emphasizes that photons are not particles but rather quantized changes in the electromagnetic field.
  • Another analogy compares photons to waves on an ocean, suggesting that while they are fundamentally the same, they can exhibit different wave patterns.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether all photons are identical or if they have different properties. Multiple competing views remain regarding the nature of photons and their interactions.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express a lack of understanding of QED, indicating that their discussions may depend on varying levels of familiarity with the topic. There are also unresolved questions about the implications of photon interactions with different charged particles.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring the nature of light, quantum electrodynamics, and the fundamental properties of photons in physics.

scienceteacher
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I thought all photons were identical...some would just have more energy associated with them. Anhow...I guess my question is: what is the difference between photons of light and nonvirtual force mediating photons??
 
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The only differences between photons are wavelengh and direction. As far as your question is concerned, the only difference I can see is lifetime.
 
Does that mean photons of light can be force mediating for the EM field?? That doesn't seem to add up...or maybe I am wrong. Also, how do scientists deal with the two different charges? If all photons are identical, how is one supposed deal with the fact that a proton's photons would affect a proton differently than a an electron's photons?

I think my problem lies somewhere in my lack of understanding of QED. Maybe I need a good book...any recommendations?
 
Photons are not particles. They are useful tool to have scientific talks with fingers or diagramms.

Quantized electromagnetic field exists and the photon is the quantized change of it.
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In man, the things which are not measurable are more important than those which are measurable. Alexis Carrel.
 
I think my problem lies somewhere in my lack of understanding of QED. Maybe I need a good book...any recommendations?

Feynman's book "QED".
 
The electromagnetic field is like an ocean.
A photon is like a wave on the ocean.

All photons (visible and force mediating) are identical in the sense that they are made from the same ocean. But they are different in the sense that they are different wave patterns.
 

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