Does the Feynman diagram process actually exist, or is it just for computation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the nature of Feynman diagrams and their relation to virtual particles, questioning whether these concepts represent actual physical processes or are merely computational tools within perturbation theory.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification, Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the existence of virtual particles and whether particle exchange occurs during interactions.
  • Another participant asserts that Feynman diagrams are not direct representations of physical interactions but rather tools for calculations in perturbation theory, suggesting that extending their interpretation beyond this is philosophical.
  • A further contribution emphasizes that Feynman diagrams serve as graphical representations of mathematical expressions related to perturbative expansions, indicating that they lack physical existence beyond this role.
  • Additional resources are provided to clarify misconceptions about virtual particles.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of Feynman diagrams and virtual particles, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without consensus.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the philosophical implications of interpreting Feynman diagrams and virtual particles, with participants noting the limitations of these concepts in representing physical reality.

ronnie snooker
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i want to known whether virtual particle exist or not , and does exchange of particle really happen in interaction.
 
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You can't point to an interaction and say "it was this Feynman diagram". They are tools for calculations in perturbation theory, just like the virtual particles in the diagrams.
I fear everything beyond that is philosophy.
 
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Just to hammer the point: Feynman diagrams are graphical representations of mathematical expressions for different terms in a perturbative expansion. There is nothing more to them than that.
 
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thanks for all of you!
 
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