The discussion centers on how photons transmit electromagnetic force, particularly questioning how a photon can exert force in a specific direction when its electromagnetic perturbations are transverse. Participants explore the concept of virtual photons and their role in force exchange between charged particles, noting that while energy transfer occurs, it does not inherently explain directional force. The conversation highlights the complexity of understanding force in quantum mechanics, emphasizing that current explanations may not fully capture the mechanisms at play. The idea that photons modify the phase of quantum wave functions is introduced as a potential explanation for how forces manifest. Ultimately, the discussion reveals ongoing uncertainty and the need for deeper insights into the nature of force transmission via photons.
