Is Space Considered a Medium for Photons and Other Waves?

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The discussion centers on whether space can be considered a medium for the travel of photons and other waves. Participants argue that electromagnetic (EM) waves do not require a medium, as they can propagate through various substances like glass, and emphasize that space is not empty but does not function as a traditional medium. Some suggest that space could be viewed as a medium due to its lowest energy state and presence of virtual particles, while others firmly reject this notion, stating that sound requires a medium and cannot exist in a vacuum. The conversation also touches on the complexities of defining "medium" and the implications of space-time in wave propagation. Ultimately, the consensus leans towards the idea that space, while not empty, does not qualify as a medium in the conventional sense for wave travel.
  • #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And some people hate it with good reason (it is outdated!), and you should know well enough to not use it because it will only add unnecessary confusion to this!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Outdated means in physics disproved; physics is not fashion.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And some people hate it with good reason (it is outdated!), and you should know well enough to not use it because it will only add unnecessary confusion to this!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Outdated?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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