I have always wondered if Photons are magnetic and if so are

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    magnetic photons
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of photons, specifically whether they are magnetic and if they are influenced by the Earth's geomagnetic field. The scope includes theoretical considerations and implications of electromagnetic theory.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant wonders if photons are magnetic and affected by the geomagnetic field.
  • Another participant asserts that photons are not magnetic.
  • A different viewpoint suggests that low frequency photons can feel the Earth's magnetic field, referencing the Faraday effect.
  • It is proposed that while the motion of photons is not affected by the magnetic field, their polarization might be influenced.
  • One participant clarifies that Faraday rotation applies to light in a medium, not in a vacuum.
  • Discussion includes the concept of photon-photon scattering, noting it occurs at a very low rate and has not been observed in a vacuum.
  • Pair production is mentioned as an indirect observation that requires much higher energies, implying that interactions with the Earth's magnetic field are not relevant.
  • Some participants state that photons are carriers of the electromagnetic force, with magnetism being a relativistic aspect of electric charge.
  • It is reiterated that a photon is a quantized portion of an electromagnetic wave, which includes both electric and magnetic components.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether photons are magnetic and how they interact with magnetic fields, indicating that multiple competing views remain without consensus.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on specific conditions, such as the medium through which light travels, and the discussion includes unresolved aspects regarding the interaction of photons with magnetic fields.

allybee
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I have always wondered if Photons are magnetic and if so are they affected by the geomagnetic field around the earth
 
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Their motion is not affected, but I think their polarization can be, if I read my2cts link correctly.
 
Faraday rotation applies to light traveling through a medium, not through a vacuum.
 
There is photon-photon scattering, but at such an incredibly low rate that it has never been observed (in vacuum), even with powerful lasers and extremely sensitive detectors.

Pair production has been observed indirectly, but that needs much higher energies so interactions with the magnetic field of Earth don't work.
 
thank you for the response guys
 
Photons are the carriers of the electromagnetic force. Magnetism is the relativistic manifestation of the electric charge.
 
AgentSmith said:
Photons are the carriers of the electromagnetic force. Magnetism is the relativistic manifestation of the electric charge.

A photon is a quantized portion of an EM wave, which has both electric and magnetic components.
 

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