Is the Photon Riding on an Electromagnetic Wave?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the relationship between photons and electromagnetic waves, questioning whether photons can be conceptualized as traveling on electromagnetic waves. The scope includes conceptual clarifications and theoretical perspectives on the nature of photons and electromagnetic fields.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that photons and electromagnetic waves refer to the same phenomenon but are analyzed through different mechanics.
  • Others argue that while photons can be considered as quanta of the electromagnetic field, this characterization does not fully capture the complexities involved.
  • One participant emphasizes that photons do not have a meaningful position, suggesting that the relationship is not analogous to a surfer riding a wave.
  • It is noted that electromagnetic waves can be described using photons, but the utility of each description may vary depending on the context, with quantum electrodynamics sometimes being necessary for a complete understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between photons and electromagnetic waves, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of photons and electromagnetic waves, as well as the assumptions underlying the different descriptions of these concepts.

amateurphysiker
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Hi there,

I was wondering what the relationship between the photon and the electromagnetic wave is? Is the photon traveling on that wave like a surfer is riding a wave? :-)

Thanks in advance!
 
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No. Photons and the electromagnetic wave refer to the same phenomenon, but analyzed with different mechanics. You could say that the electromagnetic field is made up of photons, or the photons are quanta of the electromagnetic field. But these are just words that don't capture the intricacies of the math. Whenever an electromagnetic field interacts with something, it transfers a discrete amount of energy, angular momentum, and momentum. So we call a unit a photon.
 
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amateurphysiker said:
Is the photon traveling on that wave like a surfer is riding a wave? :-)
No. Photons don't even have a meaningful position.

Electromagnetic waves can be described with photons. It is an alternative description for the same thing. Sometimes waves are a more useful description, sometimes photons are more useful, sometimes both don't work and you have to use quantum electrodynamics, which combines both approaches.
 

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