Where's the Photon in Electromagnetism?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of photons in electromagnetic radiation, particularly in the context of detection and the double slit experiment. Participants explore the relationship between light, electromagnetic radiation, and the role of detector screens.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the meaning of "where" in relation to photons in electromagnetic radiation and suggest that photons can be observed when they hit a detector screen.
  • Others clarify that light is a form of electromagnetic radiation and that all electromagnetic spectra consist of photons.
  • A participant raises a hypothetical scenario regarding the double slit experiment, asking if replacing the light source with an electromagnetic source would still result in observable photons, and whether the detector screen would need to change.
  • Another participant expresses confusion about the types of detector screens used in online demonstrations of the double slit experiment, noting the difference in sensitivity to various frequencies of electromagnetic radiation.
  • One participant mentions that photons are influenced by quantum mechanical effects, suggesting a deeper layer of complexity in their behavior.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the relationship between light and electromagnetic radiation, but there are differing views on the specifics of photon detection and the implications for different types of electromagnetic radiation.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the types of detector screens and their reactions to different frequencies of electromagnetic radiation, as well as the implications of quantum mechanics on photon behavior.

richerrich
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While light's photon is manifested where's the photon in electromagnetic radiation? Does it show up in some materials?
Thanks
 
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richerrich said:
While light's photon is manifested where's the photon in electromagnetic radiation? Does it show up in some materials?
Thanks

I don't understand what you mean by "where"? You can see where a photon hits a detector screen... is that what you're getting at? I'm also not clear if you understand that light IS electromagnetic radiation, and all EM spectra has the same quanta: the photon.
 
nismaratwork said:
I don't understand what you mean by "where"? You can see where a photon hits a detector screen... is that what you're getting at? I'm also not clear if you understand that light IS electromagnetic radiation, and all EM spectra has the same quanta: the photon.

In the double slit experiment for example, if we replace the light 'gun' with an electromagnetic 'gun' will we expect to see photons also or do we have to replace the detector screen that reacts to electromagnetic radiation.
 
Hi there,

I have the same comment as nismaratwork. Since light is an electromagnetic radiation, what would differ in your "gun", whether visible light or any other electromagnetic radiation is emitted?

Cheers
 
Thank you for your replies because of which i have cleared up my own confusion: it has something to do with the 'detector' screen. If such screen merely reflects photons then we get to see light's bands but not other electromagnetic radiation because of course our eyes are only sensitive to light's frequency, but if the detector screen will somehow chemically react to the photons enough to create big visible spots (for example) then regardless of which electromagnetic radiation we'll see the bands.

I got confused with what detector screens are used by these online double slit experiment videos.
 
Last edited:
Photons are governed by quantum mechanical effects.
 

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