- #1
Quarlep
- 257
- 4
Can light travels without electromagnetic field ?
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Can light travels without electromagnetic field ?
- Context: Undergrad
- Thread starter Quarlep
- Start date
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the question of whether light can travel without an electromagnetic field, exploring the nature of light as an electromagnetic phenomenon. Participants delve into theoretical and conceptual aspects of light and electromagnetic fields.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants assert that light is inherently a traveling electromagnetic field and cannot exist without it.
- Others elaborate that light is a wave within the electromagnetic field, reinforcing the idea that it cannot propagate independently of this field.
- One participant introduces a nuanced scenario involving light interacting with surfaces containing small holes, suggesting that under certain conditions, plasmons can be generated, which may complicate the discussion about light's propagation.
- Another participant emphasizes that without an electromagnetic field, the concept of light becomes nonsensical, arguing for a straightforward relationship between light and electromagnetic fields.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree that light is related to electromagnetic fields, but there is disagreement regarding the implications of this relationship, particularly in specific scenarios involving plasmons and light propagation through materials.
Contextual Notes
The discussion includes assumptions about the definitions of "travel" and "light," as well as the conditions under which light interacts with materials, which remain unresolved.
- #2
Einj
- 464
- 59
Light IS a traveling electromagnetic field.
- #3
Drakkith
Mentor
- 23,205
- 7,687
Light is a wave within the electromagnetic field itself. So no, it cannot travel without the EM field.
- #4
athosanian
- 66
- 8
yes , light in the nature is a electromagnetic wave and there are other forms of electromagnetic wave which are not visible. for example, X-ray, infrared light, radio wave. electromangeic wave is a name give for a large number of things.
- #5
UltrafastPED
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 1,910
- 216
Quarlep said:
It depends upon what qualifies as "travel" ... for instance, when light strikes a surface that contains very small holes ... smaller than the wavelength of the light ... then the light cannot propagate inside of the holes.
However, if the front and back sides of the surface, and the interior of the holes are metallic, then the impinging light can create plasmons, a quantum quasi-particle, then these plasmons can propagate through the holes, and when they reach the back side of the material they act as little antennas which regenerate the light that was incident on the other side of the holes.
Plasmons have both electric and magnetic fields associated with them, so perhaps this violates rule two.
- #6
davenn
Science Advisor
Gold Member
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UltrafastPED said:
Nice one, UltrafastPED, something totally new to me ... had to google plasmon to learn more
Dave
- #7
- 24,488
- 15,059
The point is that Answer #2 is already correct. Light is an electromagnetic field. It doesn't make any sense to ask, wheter light can travel without an electromagnetic field. If there is no electromagnetic field, there is no light. It's as simple as that :-).
- #8
Quarlep
- 257
- 4
Thanks
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