Light some interesting questions and an observation

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Discussion Overview

This discussion revolves around various questions and observations regarding the nature of light, its behavior, and its relationship with concepts such as time and mass. Participants explore theoretical and conceptual aspects of light, touching on electromagnetism, quantum theory, and the mechanisms of light absorption.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions what happens to light when it is not traveling, suggesting uncertainty about the nature of light.
  • Another participant asserts that light always travels at the speed of light (c) and cannot be destroyed, while a different view claims that light can indeed be destroyed, as evidenced by turning off a flashlight.
  • There is a discussion about whether light accelerates to reach c or "jumps" to c, with some participants emphasizing that light always travels at c.
  • Questions are raised about the direction of light travel and the factors that determine this behavior, with references to Maxwell's equations.
  • A claim is made that two light beams traveling in opposite directions would meet at a speed of 2c, which some participants argue contradicts Einstein's theory of relativity.
  • Participants discuss the mechanism of light absorption into particles, with references to interactions between light and charged particles.
  • One participant expresses confusion about electromagnetic field theory and its relation to quantum theory, questioning the validity of Maxwell's equations in light of quantum electrodynamics (QED).
  • Another participant defends the relevance of Maxwell's equations, stating they have substantial experimental support and that new theories must reduce to established ones in their applicable domains.
  • Concerns are raised about the clarity of current theories regarding light and the fundamental nature of photons and electrons.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views on the nature of light, its behavior, and the validity of different theoretical frameworks. The discussion remains unresolved, with no consensus on several key questions raised.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of confusion regarding electromagnetic theory and quantum mechanics, indicating a lack of clarity in the current understanding of light. There are unresolved questions about the mechanisms of light emission and absorption, as well as the implications of different theoretical models.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring theoretical physics, quantum mechanics, and the nature of light, as well as those seeking to understand the interplay between classical and modern theories in electromagnetism.

  • #61
For animations/simulations of electromagnetic fields you can try http://www.vectorfields.com/".
 
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  • #62
trogan said:
7. Where does it end up ?
Tony

It seems to me that, unless absorbed by a particle, light will end up at the edge of the universe. Could it then be converted to space thus causing the expansion of the universe ? (and incidentally indicating that space is base state energy). Thus the breakdown of matter would be fueling the expansion of the universe. Which would be increasing over time if the number of stars in the universe is increasing.

Actaully, it seems better to say that the light is converted into an expansion force that is applied to the edge of the universe and this is the way the universe expands.
 
Last edited:

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