Electron as a solution to Maxwell's Eqns

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of whether an electron can be viewed as a solution to Maxwell's equations, akin to a photon, and how this perspective might relate to properties such as mass and spin. Participants explore theoretical implications and seek references to existing literature on this topic.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that if an electron can be created from a high-energy photon, it may be worthwhile to investigate whether it could be considered a solution to Maxwell's equations, potentially representing an electromagnetic field with properties like mass and spin.
  • Another participant argues that photons and electrons arise from fundamentally different fields, indicating that distinct approaches are necessary for each, and suggests looking into literature regarding the electromagnetic nature of the electron's mass.
  • A claim is made that all solutions to Maxwell's equations in vacuum pertain to electromagnetic waves, asserting that there are no solutions that can describe a massive particle.
  • One participant references a paper by Hestenes, which posits that electrons could be conceptualized as traveling in circles at the speed of light, although this is noted as a non-orthodox theory.
  • A related concept of a geon is introduced, suggesting a potential connection to the discussion of electromagnetic solutions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between electrons and Maxwell's equations, with some proposing exploratory ideas while others assert limitations in applying Maxwell's equations to massive particles. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives present.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various papers and concepts, indicating a reliance on specific theoretical frameworks and assumptions that may not be universally accepted. The discussion touches on complex ideas that may require further clarification or exploration.

msumm21
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If an electron (and positron) can be created from a high energy photon (pair production), I was wondering if there are any (maybe old) papers in which people explored the possibility of an electron just being a solution to Maxwell's equations, just another EM-field perhaps like a photon but traveling in circles which somehow results in having properties like mass, spin, ...
 
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The photon is the quanta of the EM-field just as the electron is a quanta in the electron-field. These fields are fundamentally different and require distinct approaches. I think though that if you are really interested in exploring the possibility that you pointed out, i would search for papers regarding the electron's mass as being purely electromagnetic. This is the closest thing i can think of right now.

Try this wikipedia article to get you started http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_mass
 
All solutions to the Maxwell equations in vacuum can be written in terms of electromagnetic waves ("light"), there are no solutions left to describe a massive particle.
 
msumm21 said:
I was wondering if there are any (maybe old) papers in which people explored the possibility of an electron ... traveling in circles which somehow results in having properties like mass, spin, ...

Please read this old Hestenes paper
The electrons travel here around circles at the speed of light.
This is of course a non orthodox theory: Electrons obey a modified Dirac equation.
You can also read what Penrose wrote on the massless zigzag electrons.
 
A related idea is the geon: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geon_(physics )
 
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