- #1
lighthouse1234
- 5
- 0
I read that a photon is an electromagnetic field but how could that be since electromagnetic fields are based on electronic and thermodynamics.
What is a photon's structure composed of?
- Context: High School
- Thread starter lighthouse1234
- Start date
-
- Tags
- Structure
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the nature and structure of photons, specifically questioning whether they can be considered as electromagnetic fields and exploring the implications of this characterization. Participants engage with concepts from physics, including electromagnetic theory and thermodynamics.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants assert that photons are electromagnetic fields, while others challenge this view, suggesting that electromagnetic fields are not based on thermodynamics.
- There is a mention of Boltzmann's entropy, with some participants claiming it is not foundational to electromagnetic theory.
- A participant humorously suggests that photons are made of "the purest, finest aether," while also proposing that they can be viewed as stable excitations in the electromagnetic field.
- There is a challenge regarding the accuracy of sources and claims made about the nature of photons, with a request for specific references.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the relationship between photons and electromagnetic fields, with no consensus reached on the foundational aspects of these concepts.
Contextual Notes
Some statements rely on specific interpretations of electromagnetic theory and thermodynamics, which may not be universally accepted. The discussion includes references to concepts that may require further clarification or context.
- #2
Dale
Mentor
- 36,644
- 15,485
Electromagnetic fields are not based on thermodynamics. I am not sure what would lead you to believe that they arelighthouse1234 said:
- #3
lighthouse1234
- 5
- 0
Boltzmann's entropy
- #4
Dale
Mentor
- 36,644
- 15,485
Boltzmann’s entropy is not the basis of EMlighthouse1234 said:
- #5
DennisN
Gold Member
- 2,174
- 9,924
It is made of the purest, finest aether you can think of.lighthouse1234 said:
No, seriously, photons can be thought of as stable "excitations/disturbances" in the electromagnetic field.
- #6
- 29,512
- 21,287
Perhaps whoever wrote what you read was wrong; or, you misunderstood what you read; or, you never read it in the first place. How can anyone on here say which of those, if any, is true?lighthouse1234 said:
- #7
PeterDonis
Mentor
- 49,533
- 25,570
Where? Please give a specific reference.lighthouse1234 said:
Similar threads
- · Replies 6 ·
High School
Project on pulsars/electromagnetic quantum field
- · Replies 8 ·
- · Replies 7 ·
- · Replies 4 ·
- · Replies 10 ·
Graduate
Two-electron Lagrangian in QED
- · Replies 4 ·
- · Replies 13 ·
- · Replies 6 ·
- · Replies 3 ·
- · Replies 30 ·