Does Light have a Ground State ?

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of light losing its integrity as distinct particles and becoming one homogeneous continuum of undifferentiated "ground state" as the universe expands and time passes. The current microwave background temperature is below 3 Kelvin and will continue to decrease as time goes on, eventually reaching absolute 0 with no more energy sources left.
  • #1
Les Sleeth
Gold Member
2,262
2
Does Light have a "Ground State"?

Light when it gains or loses energy, increases or decreases its oscillation rate, and shortens or lengthens its wave length (respectively). Do anyone find it hard to imagine just how fast and short light was circa big bang?

Is it possible, given enough time and expansion of the universe, that radiated light's oscillation rate will so slow, and its wave length will become so stretched, that light will eventually lose its integrity as distinct particles? In other words, will all previously distinct light quanta, in the end, blend into one homogeneous continuum of undifferentiated "ground state" of light?
 
Last edited:
Science news on Phys.org
  • #2
Current microwave background is at a temperature below 3o Kelvin. As time goes on, it gets lower. It might take forever, but eventually it will get to absolute 0. Also there won't be any more energy sources left.
 

1. What is a "ground state" of light?

The ground state of light refers to the lowest energy level that a photon can have. It is the state in which the photon has the least possible energy and is the most stable.

2. Can light have a ground state if it has no mass?

Yes, light can have a ground state even though it has no mass. The concept of ground state applies to the energy level of a particle or system, not its mass.

3. How is the ground state of light related to its wavelength?

The ground state of light is directly related to its wavelength. The shorter the wavelength, the higher the energy of the photon and the further it is from its ground state.

4. Does the ground state of light vary depending on its source?

No, the ground state of light is a fundamental property of a photon and does not vary with its source. However, the energy levels of photons from different sources may vary due to factors such as temperature and the material they are emitted from.

5. Is it possible for light to have multiple ground states?

No, light can only have one ground state. The ground state represents the lowest possible energy level for a photon, so it cannot have multiple ground states.

Similar threads

  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Nuclear Engineering
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
29
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
943
Replies
27
Views
2K
  • Cosmology
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Back
Top