Virtual Photons: The Long-Distance Repulsion of Electrons

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of virtual photons mediating the electromagnetic repulsion between electrons, emphasizing that virtual photons do not exist long enough to be detected. It is established that the repulsion between two electrons, regardless of distance, is facilitated by these virtual photons, which have an infinite range. The consensus is that virtual photons cannot be absorbed or recorded, as they are not real entities, and thus do not last long enough to be captured by any medium, including photographic plates.

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My understanding is that the repulsion between two electrons is mediated by the exchange of virtual photons – virtual meaning not lasting long enough to be detected. But suppose one of the electrons is in the sun and the other on Earth. There should still be a repulsion because the electromagnetic interaction has infinite range. Do the virtual photons last 8 minutes? If a photographic plate is placed between the two electrons, will the virtual photons be absorbed and recorded? Or, will they still reach the other electron to complete the exchange?
 
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