I How can electrostatic fields be composed of photons?

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on the nature of electrostatic fields in the context of Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) and whether they can be composed of photons. It highlights the distinction between classical electromagnetic fields and their quantized counterparts, questioning the idea that stationary electrostatic fields, such as those around electrons, can be explained through real or virtual photons. Participants express skepticism about the validity of popular claims regarding the composition of these fields, suggesting that such interpretations may be misleading. The conversation also touches on the challenges of modeling static charges within quantum frameworks and the complexities of photon behavior in quantum field theory. Ultimately, the consensus leans toward the notion that electrostatic fields cannot be accurately described as being made up of photons.
  • #31
Derek P said:
Then we will have to agree to disagree.
PeterDonis said:
Yes, that's common in QM interpretation discussions.
Derek P said:
Sometimes because the alternative is that one or more parties drop dead of exhaustion.
And that is why we generally close them when they reach the point of diminishing returns... As this one has.
Closed it is, although as usual if someone has something that hasn't already been said and that will bring the thread back from the point of diminishing returns, they can PM any mentor to ask that thread be reopened.
 

Similar threads

I QED Picture of static EM Fields
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
I Is the photon field a vector field and a gauge field?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
I Is it possible to detect an electrostatic field?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
I Are All Photons Truly Virtual?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
A What is the quantum picture of laser field accelerating free electrons?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
I QED question: Photons absorbed and emitted by electrons
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
I QED replacing photon field with current in 3-point function
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
I Can an electron in a magnetic field radiate a virtual photon?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
I The claymath 4-d QFT problem and virtual particles (as an example)
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
3K
I Electromagnetic radiation, photons, quantized energy levels
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K