Light as a Wave: Exploring Time & Magnetic Fields

In summary, the concept of time does not apply to photons as they are traveling at the speed of light. Therefore, it is not possible for a photon to experience an oscillation or generate an electric field. This confusion arises because we, as observers, experience time and electromagnetic fields. However, for photons, the concept of time is irrelevant and we must instead consider their world-lines in 4D. Additionally, since no clock can travel at the speed of light, it is meaningless to talk about time for a photon.
  • #1
QuantumHop
68
0
As I understand it anything moving at speed c doesn't experience time so from the perspective of the photon its emitted from one atom and then instantly absorbed by another.

If this is so then how does a magnetic field generate an electric field when it has no time to do so? Something that's not experiencing time shouldn't be able to oscillate.

Nature is so confusing.
 
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  • #2
You can't talk about the reference frame of a photon; it doesn't have one. The oscillation you're talking about happens in the observer's reference frame.
 
  • #3
Because we are not photons - we experience time, we experience EM fields. Photons do not experience EM fields. Like you say, "experience" is not a good concept for photons because there is no time for them to experience anything. We give up and talk about world-lines in 4D.
 
  • #4
Just remember, Einstein defined time as what a clock measures. Since no clock can travel at c, it's meaningless to consider time for a photon. It doesn't make sense to say that since a photon doesn't experience time, its experience of time is instantly.
 

FAQ: Light as a Wave: Exploring Time & Magnetic Fields

What is light as a wave?

Light as a wave refers to the scientific understanding that light is an electromagnetic wave, consisting of both electric and magnetic fields. This theory was first proposed by James Clerk Maxwell in the 19th century and has been supported by numerous experiments.

How does light travel as a wave?

Light travels through space as a transverse wave, meaning that the electric and magnetic fields oscillate perpendicular to the direction of the wave's propagation. This allows light to move through both vacuum and different mediums, such as air or water.

How does light's wavelength affect its properties?

The wavelength of light, which is the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs of the wave, affects its properties in various ways. For example, shorter wavelengths correspond to higher frequencies and more energy, while longer wavelengths correspond to lower frequencies and less energy.

How do magnetic fields influence light as a wave?

Magnetic fields can influence light as a wave by causing it to change its direction, polarization, or frequency. This phenomenon, known as the Faraday effect, is the basis for many optical devices, such as polarizers and optical isolators.

What is the relationship between light as a wave and time?

Light as a wave and time are related through the concept of velocity. The speed of light in a vacuum is considered a universal constant, denoted by the letter c, and is used as a reference for measuring time. This constant plays a crucial role in Einstein's theory of relativity.

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