The discussion revolves around the nature of photons and their relationship to light, exploring whether photons are particles, waves, or a combination of both. Participants examine various theories and interpretations related to the wave-particle duality of light, including electromagnetic wave theory and the implications of photon interactions with matter.
Participants express differing views on the nature of photons and light, with no consensus reached on whether photons should be considered particles, waves, or a combination of both. The discussion remains unresolved, highlighting multiple competing interpretations.
Participants acknowledge the complexity of the topic, with some limitations in definitions and assumptions about the nature of light and photons. The discussion reflects ongoing debates in physics regarding wave-particle duality and the interpretation of electromagnetic theory.
Drakkith said:First, forget everything you've ever heard about photons. It's misleading.
Consider the view that light is an electromagnetic wave. This view describes 99.9% of all properties you will ever encounter with light, including diffraction, refraction, and reflection. It is only when you look into how light interacts with matter that the "particle" properties come into play.
It turns out that EM waves only interacts with matter in specific amounts of energy at a time, an amount that depends on the frequency of the wave. The higher the frequency the higher the energy that the wave interacts with. This "packet" of energy is what we call a photon. This is different than the situation in a classical wave, in which energy is transferred continuously, not in packets.
So no, the photons are not traveling in waves. They are merely the way an EM wave interacts with matter. It is the EM wave itself that is doing all the moving and traveling and oscillating.
Nor electromagnetic field is like this.sophiecentaur said:You have to make a huge effort and not think of photons as little bullets - especially not 'wiggling bullets'.