How does the EM force transmit charge information?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mechanism by which the electromagnetic (EM) force transmits information between charged particles, specifically focusing on the role of photons as force carriers. Participants explore theoretical aspects of this transmission, including the nature of virtual photons and the interaction terms in the Hamiltonian framework.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how photons, which are neutral, can convey information between charged particles, such as distinguishing between an electron and a positron.
  • Another participant suggests that virtual photons may carry opposite momenta, implying a mechanism for force transmission.
  • A participant clarifies that the concept of "force carrier" does not imply a simplistic model of photons colliding like billiard balls, indicating a more complex interaction.
  • A later reply acknowledges this clarification and introduces the idea that the force originates from the interaction term in the Hamiltonian, noting that the 4-current for positrons differs from that of electrons.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of force transmission and the role of virtual photons, indicating that multiple competing views remain without a consensus on the specifics of how charge information is transmitted.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the nature of force carriers and the mathematical representation of interactions, which remain unresolved in the discussion.

Ryan Reed
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If photons are the force carrier of the EM force, and they have no charge, how do they give the information between two charged particles? How would a proton know the difference between a electron and positron?
 
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The virtual photons will carry opposite momenta ?
 
"Force carrier" does not mean that the electric force is transmitted by billiard-ball-like photons bouncing back and forth.
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
"Force carrier" does not mean that the electric force is transmitted by billiard-ball-like photons bouncing back and forth.
If that is addressed to me then I respectfully admit to already knowing that this is not how the forces are transmitted.

As far as I know the force originates in the interaction term ##A^\mu J_\mu## in the Hamiltonian. The 4-current for a positron is (presumably) different from that of an electron.
 
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