Can Virtual Particles Have Infinite and Negative Acceleration?

[TheDarkness]

Hypothetically, a particle p of mass M is sitting at velocity v. Assuming M = 0, and the vi of p is 0 m/s, 0 seconds passes and vf 100 m/s is reached. Since time t is 0, acceleration cannot exist, as no t has passed between the vi and vf states. And, knowing that a = (vf - vi)/ Δt, a = (100 - 0)/0-0, a = 100/0. Because of the divisional zero, would not a be both equal to ∞ m/s^2 and -∞ m/s^2?

 

[Dale]

Hi TheDarkness, welcome to PF

The only speed that a massless particle can travel at is c.

 

[TheDarkness]

Hi TheDarkness, welcome to PF

The only speed that a massless particle can travel at is c.

So a massless particle cannot be stationary?

 

[Dale]

Correct, it can only move at c never more and never less.

 

[TheDarkness]

Correct, it can only move at c never more and never less.

Yes, but when an electron jumps to a lower shell, and emits a photon, would not the acceleration of the photon from the point of creation be infinite?

 

[Dale]

Yes, but when an electron jumps to a lower shell, and emits a photon, would not the acceleration of the photon from the point of creation be infinite?

Any real photon is on-shell, meaning that it travels at c at all times. If it traveled at less than c then it would be off shell and could not conserve both energy and momentum.

 

[TheDarkness]

Any real photon is on-shell, meaning that it travels at c at all times. If it traveled at less than c then it would be off shell and could not conserve both energy and momentum.

I see. Thank you.

 

[TheDarkness]

Any real photon is on-shell, meaning that it travels at c at all times. If it traveled at less than c then it would be off shell and could not conserve both energy and momentum.

What of virtual particles?

 

[Dale]

What of virtual particles?

Virtual particles are off shell, by definition, so all bets are off. Virtual photons can have mass, travel at speeds other than c, and so forth.