How a particle knows about the existence of another particle

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of Coulomb's law and how it explains the repulsion or attraction between two charged particles. The question arises about how the first particle knows about the existence of the second particle in order to follow this law. The answer is that it is due to the electric field created by the charge, and in more depth, explained by Quantum Electro Dynamics. A book by Richard Feynman, called "QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter" provides a layman's explanation of this concept.
  • #1
Cosmology2015
31
1
Hello,
I have a question about the interaction between particles. Maybe it's a simple question, but it's bothering me.
Consider Coulomb's law. From Wikipedia we have a simple definition to illustrate:
"The magnitude of the electrostatic force of interaction between two point charges is directly proportional to the scalar multiplication of the magnitudes of charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. The force is along the straight line joining them. If the two charges have the same sign, the electrostatic force between them is repulsive; if they have different signs, the force between them is attractive."
So the Coulomb's law is describing a phenomenon: if we put two charges of the same sign, then there is a repulsion between them. However begs the question of how the first particle knows about the existence of the second particle in order to obey Coulomb's law? In general, how a particle knows about the existence of another particle? In classical physics and in modern physics?
I'm grateful for any response :smile:.
 
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  • #2
The electric field created by the charge.
 
  • #3
If you want a deeper answer, it is called Quantum Electro Dynamics. Richard Feynman wrote a famous layman-accessible book about it called
QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter
 

1. How do particles interact with each other?

Particles interact with each other through fundamental forces such as gravity, electromagnetism, and the strong and weak nuclear forces. These forces are mediated by particles called bosons, which carry the force between particles.

2. Can particles sense the presence of other particles?

Particles do not have the ability to sense the presence of other particles in the same way that living organisms do. However, they can interact with each other through the fundamental forces and exchange energy and momentum.

3. How do particles know when they are close to each other?

Particles do not have a conscious awareness of their surroundings or proximity to other particles. However, they can interact with each other through the fundamental forces, which can be affected by the distance between them.

4. Is there a way for particles to communicate with each other?

Particles do not have the ability to communicate in the traditional sense. However, they can interact with each other through the fundamental forces, which can transmit information and energy between particles.

5. Do particles have a way of knowing about the properties of other particles?

Particles do not have a way of knowing about the specific properties of other particles. However, they can interact with each other through the fundamental forces, which can affect the behavior and properties of particles. Additionally, particles can also interact through quantum entanglement, where two particles can have correlated properties even when separated by large distances.

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