Virtual Photons: The Long-Distance Repulsion of Electrons

In summary, the repulsion between two electrons is mediated by the exchange of virtual photons, which are not real and do not last long enough to be detected. This repulsion can still occur over infinite distances, such as between an electron on the sun and one on Earth. Virtual photons cannot be absorbed or recorded, as they are not real.
  • #1
Green dwarf
53
4
My understanding is that the repulsion between two electrons is mediated by the exchange of virtual photons – virtual meaning not lasting long enough to be detected. But suppose one of the electrons is in the sun and the other on Earth. There should still be a repulsion because the electromagnetic interaction has infinite range. Do the virtual photons last 8 minutes? If a photographic plate is placed between the two electrons, will the virtual photons be absorbed and recorded? Or, will they still reach the other electron to complete the exchange?
 
  • Like
Likes PeroK
Physics news on Phys.org

FAQ: Virtual Photons: The Long-Distance Repulsion of Electrons

What are virtual photons?

Virtual photons are particles that mediate the electromagnetic force between charged particles. They are considered "virtual" because they cannot be directly observed, but their effects can be seen in the repulsion between electrons at long distances.

How do virtual photons cause long-distance repulsion between electrons?

Virtual photons are constantly being exchanged between charged particles, creating an electromagnetic field. This field exerts a force on the particles, causing them to repel each other at long distances.

Are virtual photons real particles?

While virtual photons are not directly observable, they are a fundamental part of the quantum field theory that describes the behavior of particles and forces. In this sense, they can be considered "real" in the same way that other subatomic particles are real.

Can virtual photons be detected?

No, virtual photons cannot be directly detected because they exist for such a short amount of time and do not have enough energy to interact with particles in a measurable way. However, their effects can be observed and measured through experiments and calculations.

How do virtual photons differ from real photons?

Real photons are particles of light that can be directly observed and have measurable properties such as energy and momentum. Virtual photons, on the other hand, are temporary fluctuations in the electromagnetic field and do not have the same properties as real photons.

Similar threads

I Are All Photons Truly Virtual?
Replies
6
Views
1K
B Virtual photons as force carriers
Replies
29
Views
2K
I About the repulsive force between two electrons
Replies
7
Views
1K
I Electron Indistinguishability and Repulsion
2
Replies
44
Views
3K
B The nature of virtual photons in quantum electrodynamics
Replies
6
Views
1K
I Clarification virtual photons, real photons
Replies
1
Views
1K
I The electron is not point-like?
Replies
21
Views
2K
I Is the photon field a vector field and a gauge field?
Replies
6
Views
1K
I Electrostatic repulsion at a distance
Replies
6
Views
1K
I Can an electron in a magnetic field radiate a virtual photon?
Replies
3
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top