Speed of Light & Virtual Particles: Is There a Connection?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that there is no relationship between the speed of light and virtual particles in a vacuum. Virtual particles, being off-shell, do not adhere to the speed limit set by the speed of light (c). The concept of virtual particles does not serve as a medium for the propagation of light beams. The on-shell condition, which applies to real particles, maintains the speed of light as a constant, unaffected by virtual particles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum field theory concepts, particularly on-shell and off-shell conditions.
  • Familiarity with the principles of special relativity and the speed of light.
  • Knowledge of virtual particles and their role in quantum mechanics.
  • Basic grasp of cosmological constants and their implications in physics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of on-shell and off-shell conditions in quantum field theory.
  • Study the role of virtual particles in quantum mechanics and their effects on physical theories.
  • Explore the principles of special relativity and how they relate to the speed of light.
  • Investigate the cosmological constant and its relevance in (anti) deSitter spacetime.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the fundamental principles of light propagation and particle physics.

Malek
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Are there any relationships between the speed of light and the virtual particles in the vacuum?
I mean that, Can I call it as a medium of propagation of a light beam?
 
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Virtual particles are off shell, so their speed is not limited to c
 
Dale said:
Virtual particles are off shell, so their speed is not limited to c
Please if you can explain it with more detail.
 
Malek said:
Can I call it as a medium of propagation of a light beam?
No.
 
Malek said:
Please if you can explain it with more detail.
I don’t think that I can and keep the thread at a B level. Your basic question was if there was any “relationships between the speed of light and the virtual particles”. The simple and direct answer to that is “no”, because the relationship between real particles and the speed of light is part of the on shell condition, and virtual particles are off shell.
 
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The speed of light does not get renormalized, if that's what you mean. From that respective I've never quite understood why people fuzz about the cosmological constant; relativity in a (anti) deSitter spacetime should also 'protect' the c.c. in a similar way I'd say.
 
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