Question on classical electron radius

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the classification of the electron as a point particle with no spatial extent, as stated in various sources, including Wikipedia. Participants highlight the distinction between classical and quantum mechanical descriptions of the electron, noting that while it is treated as a point particle, its behavior is influenced by the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. The concept of the classical radius of the electron is also raised, emphasizing the complexities in understanding its nature as an elementary particle.

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Jianphys17
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Hi at everyone, why on wiki there is written:
" According to modern understanding, the electron is a point particle with a point charge and no spatial extent. Attempts to model the electron as a non-point particle are considered ill-conceived and counter-pedagogic "
I don't understand this that mean..
 
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It means it has 0 size in terms of volume, it's treated as a point, like a point on a graph. Whether or not that is actually true is unknown.
 
What is known for sure is that it is an Elementary Particle ... (May be that's what they were aiming at expaining ... Not sure though)
Whether it is a point particle or not is a different story ... and a long story.
Two remarks to think about:
1. What about the Classical Radius of the Electron? ... (e.g. E&M-wise)
2. Quantum Mechanically it is described by a wave function, not a point ...
Jianphys17 said:
According to modern understanding
?!
Note: wiki is not always reliable.
 
Stavros Kiri said:
What is known for sure is that it is an Elementary Particle ... (May be that's what they were aiming at expaining ... Not sure though)
It may indeed be the case. See 'Point particle' in wiki. In particular:
"Elementary particles are sometimes called "point particles", but this is in a different sense than discussed above."
and
"In quantum mechanics, the concept of a point particle is complicated by the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, because even an elementary particle, with no internal structure, occupies a nonzero volume."

I think that explains a lot (by wiki itself).
 

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