Is the EM wave theory of light incorrect?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the validity of the electromagnetic wave theory of light, exploring whether it is incorrect and examining the relationship between electromagnetic waves and photon theory, particularly in the context of quantum electrodynamics (QED).

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that there are no experiments disproving the idea that light is electromagnetic waves, suggesting that this is an established understanding.
  • Others propose that photon theory, often referred to as quantum electrodynamics (QED), is not merely an extension of electromagnetic wave theory but rather a distinct theory that encompasses a broader range of phenomena.
  • A participant questions whether photon theory and electromagnetic wave theory are competing theories, indicating a desire for clarification on their relationship.
  • It is noted that QED reduces to classical wave theory under conditions where quantum effects are negligible, implying a connection between the two theories without suggesting one is incorrect.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between electromagnetic wave theory and photon theory, with some asserting that they are not competing theories while others seek clarification on this point. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of these theories.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of consensus on the definitions and implications of photon theory versus electromagnetic wave theory, as well as the conditions under which one may reduce to the other. The discussion reflects varying interpretations of the theories involved.

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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