Light Particle & Wave: 4D Space Reality?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of light, specifically whether it can simultaneously exhibit particle and wave characteristics, and how this relates to the concept of a 4D space. Participants explore theoretical implications and the relationship between light's duality and higher dimensions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that if light can be both a particle and a wave, it could imply the existence of a physical manifestation of 4D space.
  • Others question the logical connection between the duality of light and the necessity of a 4th spatial dimension, arguing that light's dual nature can be explained within 3D space.
  • A participant suggests that in a 4D space, two events (light as a wave and light as a particle) could occur simultaneously, framing this as a potential explanation for light's duality.
  • Another participant challenges the assertion that light's wave and particle properties are events occurring simultaneously, stating that this reasoning is flawed.
  • Concerns are raised about the introduction of personal theories, with a warning that such assertions may lead to the thread being locked.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement on the necessity of a 4th spatial dimension to explain light's duality, with some asserting that quantum mechanics adequately describes light without it. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing views presented.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference personal theories and analogies involving higher dimensions, which may not align with established scientific understanding. There are indications of confusion regarding the definitions and implications of events in the context of light's properties.

eextreme
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Is there a possibility that light can be a particle and wave at the same time? If so then there is the proof that there exists a physical manifestation of 4D space.
 
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eextreme said:
Is there a possibility that light can be a particle and wave at the same time? If so then there is the proof that there exists a physical manifestation of 4D space.

I'm almost afraid to ask but, what makes you think one leads to the other?
 
Well, if there was 4D space that means that there is a chance that two events can happen at the exact same time. Thus, what if light as a wave and particle are two events happening at the same time? (wave properties being the first event and particle properties being the second event)
 
eextreme said:
Well, if there was 4D space that means that there is a chance that two events can happen at the exact same time. Thus, what if light as a wave and particle are two events happening at the same time? (wave properties being the first event and particle properties being the second event)

Your logic escapes me. Even if there WERE a 4th spatial dimenision (which I dispute) it does NOT follow that two events could happen at the same time AND why would "two events could happen at the same time" follow from the duality of light?

Light IS a particle and a wave at the same time in 3D; why do you need a 4th?
 
phinds said:
Your logic escapes me. Even if there WERE a 4th spatial dimension (which I dispute) it does NOT follow that two events could happen at the same time AND why would "two events could happen at the same time" follow from the duality of light?

Light IS a particle and a wave at the same time in 3D; why do you need a 4th?

Your first paragraph and second paragraph contradicts each other.

Light acting as a wave is an event and light acting as a particle is another event. Recently, I've watched a video that described shapes in 4D space and the hypercube's "shadow" is a cube and that is what we perceive in the real world.

Light as a wave and light as a particle are "shadows" of "Light" which exists in 4D space.
 
eextreme said:
Light as a wave and light as a particle are "shadows" of "Light" which exists in 4D space.


Riiiigghht ...
 
Quantum mechanics does perfectly well without introducing a 4th spatial dimension, as far as I know...
 
eextreme said:
Light acting as a wave is an event and light acting as a particle is another event.
No, they are not.

eextreme said:
Light as a wave and light as a particle are "shadows" of "Light" which exists in 4D space.
This sounds suspiciously like an assertion based upon a personal or otherwise unpublished theory. PF expressly forbids personal theories, as you will have read in the rules when you signed up. If you pursue this assertion further this thread will be locked.

You may ask questions as to why it is not so, but you may not make unfounded assertions. Consider yourself given fair warning.
 
DaveC426913 said:
This sounds suspiciously like an assertion based upon a personal or otherwise unpublished theory.

Dave, you said that SO much more elegantly than I did. But I was briefer :smile:
 
  • #10
eextreme said:
Your first paragraph and second paragraph contradicts each other.

Light acting as a wave is an event and light acting as a particle is another event. Recently, I've watched a video that described shapes in 4D space and the hypercube's "shadow" is a cube and that is what we perceive in the real world.

Light as a wave and light as a particle are "shadows" of "Light" which exists in 4D space.

Please read the FAQ subforum as a start.

If you wish to propose your own idea, rather than learn what we know about QM and light, then you've found the wrong forum. Please review the https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=414380" that you had agreed to.

Zz.
 
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