Are Static EM Fields in QED Composed of Virtual Photons?

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SUMMARY

Static electric and magnetic fields in Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) are interpreted as collections of virtual photons. These virtual photons exist in the absence of interactions with other particles or charges. When fields interact with charged particles, the virtual photons can manifest differently, but in a static state, they remain virtual. This understanding is crucial for comprehending the behavior of electromagnetic fields in quantum contexts.

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Ancient_Nomad
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Hello,

How is a static magnetic or electric field understood in terms of QED.

Is it correct to interpret them as a collection of photons?

If so, would these photons be real or virtual?

Thanks in advance.
 
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Yes. They would be virtual unless the fields were interacting with some other particle/charge.
 

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