Is Space Considered a Medium for Photons and Other Waves?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around whether space can be considered a medium through which photons and other waves travel. Participants explore various perspectives on the nature of space, its properties, and its role in wave propagation, touching on concepts from physics, including electromagnetic waves and sound waves.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that space is not a medium, as electromagnetic (EM) waves do not require one to propagate.
  • Others suggest that while EM waves can travel through various media, space itself is not typically considered a medium.
  • A few participants propose that space may not be empty and contains virtual particles, leading to the idea that it could be viewed as a medium.
  • Some contributions highlight that sound waves require a medium, and thus space should not be classified as one for sound propagation.
  • There are claims that the concept of a medium can be broadly defined, but this leads to disagreements about the implications of such definitions.
  • Participants discuss the idea of virtual particles and their role in quantum field theory, with differing views on their physical reality and relevance to the medium concept.
  • One participant suggests thinking in terms of space-time rather than a physical medium, introducing a more abstract interpretation of wave propagation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether space can be considered a medium. Multiple competing views remain, with some firmly rejecting the idea while others entertain it under certain conditions.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty regarding the definitions of terms like "medium" and "field," indicating that these concepts may be subject to interpretation. The discussion also touches on the limitations of current understanding in quantum mechanics and the nature of virtual particles.

  • #31
ZapperZ said:
And some people hate it with good reason (it is outdated!), and you should know well enough to not use it because it will only add unnecessary confusion to this!

What's next? Reference to the Caloric each time we have a discussion on Thermodynamics?

Zz.
Outdated means in physics disproved; physics is not fashion. I am not aware that the GR field concept was disproved.
 
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  • #32
ZapperZ said:
And some people hate it with good reason (it is outdated!), and you should know well enough to not use it because it will only add unnecessary confusion to this!

What's next? Reference to the Caloric each time we have a discussion on Thermodynamics?

Zz.

Outdated? How so? Because people don't pay it no never mind these days?
 

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