Is a Photon the Quanta of Both Electromagnetic Field and Wave?

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    Fields Quanta Waves
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the nature of photons as quanta of both the electromagnetic field and electromagnetic waves. Participants explore the relationship between photons and energy transfer in changing fields, as well as the implications of popular science literature on this topic.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that vibrations of Faraday lines of force create electromagnetic waves and questions whether a photon can represent both the electromagnetic field and electromagnetic wave.
  • Another participant states that photons are quanta of the electromagnetic field and that energy transfer occurs only when a field is changing, suggesting no conflict in meaning regarding photons and electromagnetic waves.
  • A participant references Carlo Rovelli's book as a source for their understanding of the topic.
  • Another participant critiques the reliance on popular science books, suggesting that they may not be suitable as authoritative sources and recommending the use of more traditional textbooks for a clearer understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of photons in relation to electromagnetic fields and waves. There is no consensus on whether the explanations provided by popular science literature are adequate or appropriate for this discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the potential limitations of popular science books in conveying complex scientific concepts, suggesting that they may lead to misunderstandings or extrapolations that are not supported by more rigorous academic texts.

gianeshwar
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We say that vibrations of Faraday lines of force create electromagnetic waves.Now photon is the quanta of electromagnetic field.Is photon also the quanta of electromagnetic wave? How can the same photon represent both if so?
 
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gianeshwar said:
Now photon is the quanta of electromagnetic field.
It's only when a field is changing that energy is transferred and photons are an explanation of that energy transfer. I don't think there is any conflict of meaning here.
gianeshwar said:
We say that vibrations of Faraday lines of force create electromagnetic waves
What is the source of the information you are quoting here and in your other thread?
 
Had read in Carlo Rovelli's book.
 
Entertaining and not ‘wrong’, many popular science books are not to be used as textbooks.
If I were you, I would read a few alternative sources in addition to this book. A dry as dust textbook doesn’t go for dramatic effect like a good read but doesn’t tempt the reader to extrapolate.
 
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