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    Waves
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of waves associated with moving particles, specifically electrons, and the implications of quantum field theory. Participants explore the relationship between de Broglie waves and the concept of the electron field, addressing oscillations and excitations within these fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that every moving object, such as an electron, has an associated wave, with a formula for calculating wavelength based on speed and mass.
  • One participant asserts that the "electron field" is oscillating, distinguishing it from electrostatic and electromagnetic fields, and describes it as a quantum fermionic field.
  • A later reply questions whether the oscillation refers to the excitation of the field and seeks clarification on the nature of the field's movement and its magnitude.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about their understanding of quantum field theory and acknowledges potential inaccuracies in their earlier statements.
  • One participant challenges the initial claim about moving objects having associated waves, suggesting it reflects outdated ideas from early quantum theory and emphasizes the distinction between standard quantum mechanics and quantum field theory.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between de Broglie waves and quantum field theory, with some supporting the idea of associated waves and others contesting it. The discussion remains unresolved, with no consensus reached on the nature of the oscillations or the validity of the claims made.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of terms used, the assumptions underlying the claims about waves and fields, and the lack of clarity on the mathematical framework connecting these concepts.

Dexter Neutron
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Every moving object has a wave associated with it. If a electron is moving with a speed v we can use ##\lambda = \frac{h}{mv}## to calculate the wavelength of the associated wave and thus the frequency can be calculated. This frequency denotes some kind of oscillation. So what is oscillating here?
 
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The "electron field" is oscillating. I am not talking about the electrostatic field produced by the electron due to its charge or the electromagnetic field due to the movement of electron, but about the quantum fermionic field of which electron is a quantum of energy. According to quantum field theory every particle has an associated field of which the particle is a quanta of energy of that field.
 
Delta² said:
The "electron field" is oscillating. I am not talking about the electrostatic field produced by the electron due to its charge or the electromagnetic field due to the movement of electron, but about the quantum fermionic field of which electron is a quantum of energy. According to quantum field theory every particle has an associated field of which the particle is a quanta of energy of that field.
Are you talking about excitation of field?
i.e. If the "Electron Field" is excited at a particular position an electron is created?
Does the field actually moves or just the magnitude changes? What is the unit of its magnitude?
If electron is stationary the field will not oscillate and if it is given some kinetic energy the field oscillates.Where this oscillation occurs?How it occurs?
 
Sorry I am not particularly good with quantum field theory. Maybe my first post was not correct to "mix" the deBroglie wave with a wave in the fermionic field.
 
Delta² said:
Sorry I am not particularly good with quantum field theory. Maybe my first post was not correct to "mix" the deBroglie wave with a wave in the fermionic field.
Well,I agree with you. I think you are right to some extent, until someone contradicts us.
Thanks for your help.
Waiting for more help from someone.
 
Dexter Neutron said:
Every moving object has a wave associated with it.

That's false.

Its a left over from the outdated ideas of early quantum theory that was consigned to the dustbin of history during 1925/1926, but most certainly by 1926 when Dirac came up with his transformation theory that pretty much goes by the name of QM today:
http://www.lajpe.org/may08/09_Carlos_Madrid.pdf

Here is a much much better way of looking at QM:
http://www.scottaaronson.com/democritus/lec9.html

Standard QM is an approximation to Quantum Field theory which in a certain, loose sense, is said to be an infinite number of oscillators:
http://physics.stackexchange.com/qu...field-an-infinite-set-of-harmonic-oscillators

But as explained above only in a loose and imprecise sense.

Thanks
Bill
 

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