- #1
Coolamebe
- 13
- 1
- What exactly is the equilibrium of the waves that is shown on graphs? My understanding is that the oscillations are in the strengths of the field, and different sides of the equilibrium represent different directions of the fields. However, I feel as though this contradicts itself in some ways. So when both fields are at equilibrium (as the electric and magnetic field oscillate in phase) how would a new field be generated? I though the two different fields were generated by each other and the propagation of the wave depended on these fields inducing each other, which keeps it propagating. But when at equilibrium (which by my thoughts mean that they are practically non-exist for a moment in time) they cannot induce the opposite field, as they have no strength.
- Does quantum mechanics discount this view of an EM wave propagating via the propagation of electric and magnetic fields? I was just wondering this as from just the propagation of fields, I see no way for some of the quantum effects regarding photons to occur, such as a photon transforming (I don't know if that is the right word or not) into an electron and a positron.
- Does quantum mechanics discount this view of an EM wave propagating via the propagation of electric and magnetic fields? I was just wondering this as from just the propagation of fields, I see no way for some of the quantum effects regarding photons to occur, such as a photon transforming (I don't know if that is the right word or not) into an electron and a positron.