Electromagnetic Momentum & Force: QM & Wave Analysis

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between electromagnetic momentum and force as described by quantum mechanics (QM). The formula for electromagnetic momentum is given by p = h/λ = h/c * f, with force defined as the time derivative of momentum, F = ẋp. The conversation explores whether an increase in frequency of an electromagnetic wave can be interpreted as a force, specifically questioning if it constitutes an electromagnetic force. It emphasizes that while this perspective offers insights, it is an oversimplification and highlights the necessity of using the Schrödinger equation for accurate wave descriptions in the presence of forces.

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celestra
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Electromagnetic momentum according to QM: [tex]p=\frac{h}{\lambda}=\frac{h}{c}f[/tex]
And force is time derivative of momentum: [tex]F=\dot{p}[/tex]
Then, is [tex]F=\frac{h}{c}\dot{f}[/tex](i.e., electomagnetic wave of which frequency is being increased) can be viewd as a force? What kind of force is this? Electromagnetic force? What is this?
 
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Just the usual force.
Note that this is an oversimplified point of view.
The first formula applies for a particle in free space.
To describe a wave when forces are present, a wave equation is needed.
The Schrödinger equation is the basic choice.
The equation you have written cannot replace the real wave equation, altough it can give some insight.
If you are familiar with wave mechanics, read about the WKB approximation.
 
This is the electromagnetic force I think, as exhibited in the Compton Effect.
 

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