Is it possible to detect an electrostatic field?

In summary, electrostatic fields can be detected through various methods such as using an electroscope, voltmeter, or electrostatic discharge (ESD) detector. An electroscope works by using a metal rod with leaves that react to the field, while a voltmeter measures the strength of the field. These fields can be detected in all materials, but specialized equipment may be needed for insulators. An ESD detector can detect fields from a distance and is commonly used in industries concerned with static electricity.
  • #1
Philipsmett
78
4
If the electron creates an electric field around itself that can be detected,then the electrostatic field is real? So why was not the "virtual" photon found?
 
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  • #2
An electrostatic field is a special coherent state of the em. field, not a photon field. Virtual photons cannot be found be definition. They are calculational pieces used in perturbation theory. To get a Coulomb field from the formalism you need to resum infinitely many terms of Feyman diagrams. For the details, see Weinberg, QT of Fields vol. I (the chapter on soft-photon physics).
 

FAQ: Is it possible to detect an electrostatic field?

1. Can an electrostatic field be detected?

Yes, an electrostatic field can be detected using various instruments and techniques.

2. What is an electrostatic field?

An electrostatic field is a type of electric field that is created by stationary electric charges.

3. How is an electrostatic field different from an electromagnetic field?

An electrostatic field is created by stationary charges, while an electromagnetic field is created by moving charges.

4. What instruments are used to detect an electrostatic field?

Instruments such as electroscopes, voltmeters, and field meters can be used to detect an electrostatic field.

5. Why is it important to detect an electrostatic field?

Detecting an electrostatic field can help in understanding the behavior of electric charges and can also be useful in various applications such as in electronics and in determining the safety of certain environments.

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