Wave-particle duality: nature of wave-particle as it travels

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the wave-particle duality of photons, specifically how they propagate through free space as electromagnetic waves. Participants clarify that a photon is emitted from a source, travels as a wave, and is absorbed as a whole entity rather than in diluted amounts. The propagation of the wave is described as a forward-moving wavelet that grows and shrinks, maintaining its energy distribution until it interacts with matter. The conversation also touches on the complexities of visualizing photon behavior and the interpretations of quantum mechanics regarding energy absorption.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic radiation and photon behavior
  • Familiarity with wave propagation concepts, including gravity waves and ocean waves
  • Basic knowledge of quantum mechanics and energy absorption
  • Awareness of the differences between classical and quantum interpretations of particle interactions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of quantum mechanics, focusing on wave-particle duality
  • Explore the concept of photon absorption in quantum systems
  • Study the mathematical representation of electromagnetic waves and their propagation
  • Investigate the implications of Feynman diagrams in quantum field theory
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the fundamental behavior of light and particles in free space.

  • #31
Peter99 said:
(and indeed, i is mathematically undefined)
It has a well-defined mathematical description.
bhobba said:
it would mean if I did something here on Earth it could instantaneously affect something at the other side of the universe. This is not what we experience in our day to day life - we don't see things around us is affected by things light years away instantaneously.
It would not change much if we ignore the effects on particle physics and cosmology. You would instantly be affected by the current locations of the stars in Alpha Centauri - so what? We are influenced by their positions approximately 4 years ago, but we do not care because that influence (and, in particular, its change over 4 years) is negligible.
 

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