Is energy transferred as a wave or particle in classical physics?

In summary, the conversation discusses the statement from the book "Quantum physics of atoms, molecules, solids, nuclei, and particles" by Resnick, which states that in classical physics, energy is transported by waves or particles. The participants question the accuracy of this statement, citing examples such as energy being stored in a static electric field and the Poynting vector in a DC circuit. They also bring up the concept of duality and the behavior of electrons as both waves and particles at the sub-atomic level.
  • #1
Naman Jain Kota
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I read a line in the book "Quantum physics of atoms, molecules, solids, nuclei, and particles" by resnick

The line is "in classical physics energy is either Transported by waves or by particles"

I have doubt is it correct, like we say eneegy is stored in electric field, is electric field considered as wave.

And is the statement true without any exception (classical physics)
 
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  • #2
I also would disagree with the statement. For example in a DC circuit there are no waves, but the Poynting vector shows that energy is transported through the static field.
 
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Likes Naman Jain Kota
  • #3
Energy is certainly stored in a static electric field, but if it has to be transported, it has to be either by EM waves, or through a current carried by charged particles (electrons)
 
  • #4
Chandra Prayaga said:
Energy is certainly stored in a static electric field, but if it has to be transported, it has to be either by EM waves, or through a current carried by charged particles (electrons)
Nope. Calculate the Poynting vector for a DC circuit. There are no waves and the energy is carried by the field not the current.

http://depa.fquim.unam.mx/amyd/arch...ia_a_otros_elementos_de_un_circuito_20867.pdf

https://www.tu-braunschweig.de/Medien-DB/ifdn-physik/ajp000782.pdf
 
  • #5
I know this is late, and I might be a little off the comprehension track, but in that quotation from "Quantum physics ...etc." by Resnick, isn't the author alluding to the duality ... i.e. does an electron (functioning in the same manner as a photon of light) behave as a wave or a particle at the sub-atomic level.
 

Related to Is energy transferred as a wave or particle in classical physics?

What is meant by mode of energy transfer?

Mode of energy transfer refers to the method or process by which energy is transferred from one object or system to another. It can involve the transfer of energy through various mediums, such as heat, light, sound, or mechanical force.

What are the different modes of energy transfer?

The main modes of energy transfer are conduction, convection, radiation, and mechanical transfer. Conduction is the transfer of heat or energy through direct contact between two objects. Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids, such as air or water. Radiation is the transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves, such as light or infrared radiation. Mechanical transfer involves the transfer of energy through physical movement or work.

How does conduction differ from convection and radiation?

Conduction, convection, and radiation are all modes of energy transfer, but they differ in the way they transfer energy. Conduction and convection require a medium, such as a solid or fluid, for energy transfer to occur, while radiation does not. Conduction and convection also involve the transfer of thermal energy, while radiation can involve the transfer of various forms of energy, such as light or electromagnetic waves.

What factors affect the rate of energy transfer through conduction?

The rate of energy transfer through conduction depends on several factors, including the temperature difference between the objects, the type of material the objects are made of, and the surface area of contact between the objects. Additionally, the thickness and density of the material can also affect the rate of energy transfer through conduction.

How is energy transferred through mechanical means?

Energy can be transferred through mechanical means by using a force to do work on an object, such as pushing or pulling. This can involve the transfer of kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion, or potential energy, which is energy stored in an object's position or shape. Mechanical energy transfer can also occur through the transfer of sound waves, which are a form of mechanical energy.

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