Could electron scatter off vacuum fluctuations?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of electron scattering off virtual photons, specifically comparing the scattering processes involving virtual photons from a Coulomb field versus those from vacuum fluctuations. The scope includes theoretical considerations of quantum field theory and conservation laws.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why electrons can scatter off virtual photons in a Coulomb field but not off those from vacuum fluctuations.
  • Another participant asserts that energy and momentum conservation would be violated in the scattering process involving vacuum fluctuations.
  • A participant seeks a formal distinction between virtual photons from Coulomb fields and those from vacuum fluctuations, questioning the applicability of conservation laws in each case.
  • It is proposed that the virtual photon from the Coulomb field has a connection to an external source, allowing for momentum transfer, unlike the vacuum fluctuations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of scattering off vacuum fluctuations, with some agreeing on the conservation laws while others seek clarification on the underlying principles. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the formal differences between the two types of virtual photons.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential limitations in understanding the role of virtual photons and conservation laws, as well as the dependence on definitions of virtual particles and their interactions.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in quantum field theory, particle physics, and the nuances of virtual particles and their interactions may find this discussion relevant.

asya
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Electron can scatter off virtual photon of Coulomb field (or even emit real photon). But why it cannot do the same off virtual photons of vacuum fluctuations without external field?
 
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Energy and momentum are conserved. Such a scattering process would change them.
 
Intuitively I understand that.
But formally what is a difference between a virtual photon of Coulomb field and a virtual photon of ground state vacuum fluctuations? Why in the first case conservation lows are OK but in the second one not?
 
The virtual photon from the Coulomb field has a "connection" to something else where it can transfer momentum to.
 
Yes, I see...
Thank you!
 

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