How is light related to charged particles?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between light and charged particles, focusing on the mechanisms of light emission and the behavior of electric and magnetic fields in relation to protons and electrons. Participants explore concepts related to electromagnetic fields, interactions with light, and the nature of charged particles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on how electric fields interact with protons and whether they emit light, expressing confusion about the roles of electric and magnetic fields.
  • Another participant questions the notion of fields being "directed" at protons and emphasizes that charged particles interact with light rather than emit it like planets do.
  • A participant expresses confusion about the orientation of electromagnetic fields in space, questioning whether the perpendicular relationship is merely an abstraction.
  • Responses indicate that electric and magnetic fields exist everywhere, but the forces on charged particles depend on local field values.
  • There is a suggestion that the relationship between protons, electrons, and light is complex and requires clearer formulation of questions for better understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit varying levels of understanding and agreement on the concepts discussed. Some express confusion and seek clarification, while others challenge the framing of questions and concepts, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unclear definitions of terms like "directed" in relation to fields, and the need for more precise questions to facilitate understanding of complex interactions between charged particles and light.

BadgerBadger92
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I did a little more research, please clarify. So the electric field is directed to the proton and that emits light? Can you get into more detail?

I am not educated in math so this is hard to understand at this point. I understand how electrons emit light but not protons. So is the magnetic field directed to the electrons while the electric field is directed to the proton? This is hard to visualize in terms of space, because Inwould imagine both the electric field would be different compared to how they’re oriented. I just need more detail.

So the only atoms that emit light are charged particles? What about electrons?
 
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BadgerBadger92 said:
So the electric field is directed to the proton
What do you mean by ”directed to the proton”?

It is not about emitting light. Planets do not emit light and they are made of normal matter. It is about interacting with light and that is, by definitiom, what charged particles do.
 
I’m no mathematician so I am confused about how the electromagnetic field is oriented in space. There is the electric field then the magnetic that are unified as far as I know. Wouldn’t the electric field and magnetic field be permeating through all of space? Is the idea the magnetic and electric field being “perpendicular” in space just an abstraction to explain it? Wouldn’t not all of the protons and electrons not be hitting all the light? My question is hard for me to explain, Id like help.
 
Your approach here is not constructive. Instead of pouring out all your thoughts simultaneously, I would suggest that you focus on one issue per thread.
BadgerBadger92 said:
Wouldn’t the electric field and magnetic field be permeating through all of space?
Yes, they exist everywhere. However, the force on a charged particle depends only on the field values where it is.

BadgerBadger92 said:
Is the idea the magnetic and electric field being “perpendicular” in space just an abstraction to explain it?
They do not need to be perpendicular. However, they are perpendicular in the plane wave solutions for electromagnetic radiation in free space.

BadgerBadger92 said:
Wouldn’t not all of the protons and electrons not be hitting all the light? My question is hard for me to explain, Id like help.
It is unclear what you mean by "hitting all the light". I suggest you take some time to really think about what it is that you want to ask and formulating it in a concise manner.
 

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