Calculating Virtual Photon Energy between +q and -q Charges

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of virtual photon energy in the context of two point charges, +q and -q, separated by a distance L. Participants are exploring the relationship between quantum electrodynamics (QED) and classical electrodynamics as it pertains to this scenario.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the rationale behind the exchange of virtual photons and the relevance of the distance L in this context. Some suggest using the uncertainty principle to relate time and energy for the virtual photon, while others propose drawing a Feynman diagram and considering momentum conservation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with various interpretations being explored. Some participants are providing guidance on potential approaches, such as using the uncertainty principle, while others are raising concerns about the mixing of concepts from different areas of physics.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be a tension between the quantum mechanical description of virtual photons and the classical framework of electrostatics, leading to questions about the assumptions underlying the problem.

sweetvirgogirl
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Charges of +q and -q are separated by a distance L.

What would be a typical energy of a virtual photon they exchange?
 
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what have you done so far?

why would they exchange a virtual photon in the first place?
 
Why do you mix photons with "distance L" ...?

Daniel.
 
dextercioby said:
Why do you mix photons with "distance L" ...?
Daniel.


I stated the problem as it is given in the book
 
Well, virtual photons are terms used in QED, but "distance L" between 2 pointlike charges has to do with classical electrodynamics, i.e. electrostatics...Do you see anything suspicious...?

Daniel.
 
draw the feynman diagram. do conservation of momentum.
treat it like a collision.
 
bump :confused:
 
Can you not just use the time version of the uncertainty principal to determine the energy of the virtual photon? You can express [tex]\Delta t[/tex] in terms of L and c and find [tex]\Delta E[/tex].
 

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