Is the EM wave theory of light incorrect?

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SUMMARY

The discussion confirms that light is fundamentally electromagnetic waves, with photon theory, also known as quantum electrodynamics (QED), serving as a more comprehensive framework for understanding light-matter interactions. The classical wave theory, derived from Maxwell's laws, is not in conflict with QED; rather, QED encompasses a wider range of phenomena, reducing to wave theory under certain conditions. The importance of precise terminology in discussing these theories is emphasized, particularly in relation to the term "incorrect."

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic waves and their properties
  • Familiarity with Maxwell's laws of electricity and magnetism
  • Basic knowledge of quantum electrodynamics (QED)
  • Awareness of wave-particle duality concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Read Richard Feynman's "QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter"
  • Study Maxwell's equations to grasp classical wave theory
  • Explore the implications of wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate the experimental evidence supporting quantum electrodynamics
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the foundational theories of light and electromagnetic radiation.

k9b4
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What experiments disprove the idea that light is waves of electromagnetic field?
 
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k9b4 said:
What experiments disprove the idea that light is waves of electromagnetic field?

None, because light is in fact electromagnetic waves. All this stuff about photons and "wave-particle duality" and the like comes from a more detailed theory about how light interacts with matter.

You might also want to read Asimov's classic essay about why we need to be very careful about tossing around the word "incorrect":
http://chem.tufts.edu/AnswersInScience/RelativityofWrong.htm
 
Nugatory said:
None, because light is in fact electromagnetic waves. All this stuff about photons and "wave-particle duality" and the like comes from a more detailed theory about how light interacts with matter.
I suspected as much. Photon theory is just an extension of EM wave theory right? They are definitely not two competing theories?
 
k9b4 said:
I suspected as much. Photon theory is just an extension of EM wave theory right? They are definitely not two competing theories?
What you are calling "photon theory" is better known as quantum electrodynamics or QED (and I'm pretty sure that I've recommended Feynmann's "QED: The strange theory of light and matter" to you before). QED is not an extension of the classical wave theory of light (which comes from Maxwell's laws of electricity and magnetism); it's a different theory that reduces to the wave theory whenever the quantum effects are negligible.

But they are not "competing" theories; it's just that QED has a broader range of applicability.
 
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