Electromagnetic wave, electromagnetic field and quantas

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between electromagnetic fields, gravitational fields, and the concept of spacetime. Participants explore how electromagnetic waves interact within the framework of spacetime, particularly in relation to gravitational fields, and seek to understand the nature of these interactions and the underlying properties of the vacuum.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that all fields, including electromagnetic fields and waves, exist within the gravitational field, which they describe as the fabric of spacetime.
  • Another participant challenges the notion of a mechanical explanation for electromagnetism, stating that there is no mechanical fabric of spacetime with inertia and elasticity, and emphasizes that mathematical models, particularly quantum electrodynamics, are the basis for understanding electromagnetism.
  • A participant expresses a desire to understand the locations and distributions of all fields, waves, and quanta in the context of spacetime interactions.
  • A later reply recommends reading Einstein's 1905 paper as a foundational resource for understanding the concepts discussed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of spacetime and its mechanical properties, with some advocating for a conceptual framework that includes elasticity and inertia, while others argue against this perspective, asserting that it is a metaphor rather than a physical reality. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact nature of these interactions and the validity of the proposed models.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the assumptions made about spacetime as a mechanical entity, and the discussion highlights the dependence on mathematical models without reaching a consensus on the interpretations of these models.

gianeshwar
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As I understand space time fabric is exclusively the Gravitational field according to Einstein.So every field wave or interaction is contained in the Gravitational Field.This fabric of spacetime(gravitational field) is having properties of inertia and elasticity that is why gravitational waves are possible and have been detected in LIGO antennae.
Now my problem is to know how electromagnetic fields and their waves are acting in this container( all pervading ) fabric of spacetime(Gravitational field).
Also electromagnetic wave is possible due to elasticity and inertia properties of the vacuum(again spacetime and hence Gravitational field).So both gravitational wave and electromagnetic wave and their quantas and their generating fields are there in all pervading spacetime(finite and unbounded as I understand).Yes I understand that gravitational field itself is the container.
I want to understand the exact picture of locations and distributions of all fields ,waves and quantas(appearing on interactions of probably fields)
Please correct me if my query is irrelevant. Thanks
 
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gianeshwar said:
Also electromagnetic wave is possible due to elasticity and inertia properties of the vacuum(again spacetime and hence Gravitational field).
You seem to want a mechanical explanation for electromagnetism in terms of inertia and elasticity. There is not one.

There is no mechanical fabric of space time with inertia and elasticity in the first place. That's just a crude metaphor. Electromagnetism is not explained in terms of such a fabric anyway. More generally in physics there is no mechanical explanation for anything. Mathematical models are as good as it gets. Quantum electrodynamics is the most fundamental model we have for electromagnetism. It operates on an assumed background of Minkowski geometry.
 
Thanks!
 

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