Do photons carry the electric field?

In summary, charged particles emit electric fields which can be described by the equation E = kQ/r^2, and these particles also exchange virtual photons to create attraction or repulsion between them. This is explained by the Standard Model of particle physics and the theory of Quantum Electrodynamics. More information on this topic can be found at http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/Quantum/virtual_particles.html.
  • #1
Robert Leslie
2
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In basic electrostatics any charged particle will produce an electric field at every point in space, and will have electric filed lines spreading out radially.

E = kQ/r^2

The Standard model of particle physics says that the Photon is the force carrier for the Electromagnetic force, just like the Gluon is the force carrier for the Strong force, and the W/Z bosons for the Weak force etc. Does this mean that charged particles are emitting photons to attract or repel other charges? How does electrostatic attraction work at the quantum level?
 
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  • #2
Hi Robert Leslie,
Robert Leslie said:
Does this mean that charged particles are emitting photons to attract or repel other charges?
No, actually not.
Robert Leslie said:
How does electrostatic attraction work at the quantum level?
It is often said that charges exchange virtual photons (please note the word "virtual"), but this is only a crude description of the actual mathematics, which is described by the quantum field theory called Quantum Electrodynamics. I think it is better to view it as that the charges create disturbances in the field which result in attraction/repulsion.
 
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1. What is a photon?

A photon is a fundamental particle of light and other forms of electromagnetic radiation. It carries energy and has no mass or charge.

2. How does a photon interact with an electric field?

A photon interacts with an electric field by being influenced by it and, in turn, influencing the electric field. The electric field causes the photon to accelerate and change direction, while the photon's presence also affects the electric field's strength and direction.

3. Does a photon carry an electric field?

Yes, a photon carries an electric field as it travels through space. This is one of the fundamental properties of electromagnetic radiation.

4. Can a photon exist without an electric field?

No, a photon cannot exist without an electric field. The electric field and the photon are intrinsically linked and cannot be separated.

5. How does the electric field of a photon differ from that of an electric charge?

The electric field of a photon is different from that of an electric charge in that it is a wave-like disturbance, while the electric field of an electric charge is a static field. Additionally, the electric field of a photon has a specific frequency and wavelength, while the electric field of an electric charge is constant.

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