Vibration of Photons: Do Photons Oscillate?

The electric and magnetic fields are derived from these, and it is the combined oscillations of these fields that make up the wave-like behavior of photons.In summary, photons are not solid particles like BBs, but rather electromagnetic waves with properties such as E field, B field, frequency and wavelength. They represent the minimal excitation of the electromagnetic field and cannot be divided into smaller parts. They can transfer energy and momentum to other particles, but this happens as a discrete event due to the principles of quantum mechanics. The wavefunction used to describe a photon is the electromagnetic field itself, with oscillations of the electric and magnetic fields giving it a wave-like behavior.
  • #1
GarryS
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Do photons vibrate or oscillate in any way?
 
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  • #2
Photons are not little BBs, they are electromagnetic waves. They have all the properties we associate with electromagnetic waves: E field, B field, frequency and wavelength. It's just that they represent a minimal excitation of the electromagnetic field: you can't have half a photon.
 
  • #3
Bill_K said:
Photons are not little BBs, they are electromagnetic waves. They have all the properties we associate with electromagnetic waves: E field, B field, frequency and wavelength. It's just that they represent a minimal excitation of the electromagnetic field: you can't have half a photon.

If photons can knock out electrons from their orbits why can't they behave as BBs. Isn't any kind of matter wave associated with them?
 
  • #4
GarryS, Photons carry energy and momentum, as all electromagnetic waves do, and some or all of it can be transferred to other particles. The fact that this transfer happens as a discrete event rather than continuously is a general feature of quantum mechanics, not a special property of photons.

The wavefunction used to describe a photon is just the electromagnetic field itself, specifically the vector and scalar potentials A and φ.
 

Related to Vibration of Photons: Do Photons Oscillate?

1. What is the concept of photon vibration?

The concept of photon vibration refers to the idea that photons, which are particles of light, have the ability to oscillate or vibrate as they travel through space. This oscillation is a fundamental property of photons and is related to their wavelength and frequency.

2. How does photon vibration differ from other types of vibrations?

Photon vibration differs from other types of vibrations, such as sound or mechanical vibrations, in that it is a purely electromagnetic phenomenon. This means that photons do not require a medium to travel through, unlike sound waves which require a medium like air or water. Additionally, photon vibrations occur at incredibly high frequencies and are not detectable by our senses.

3. What causes photons to vibrate?

Photons vibrate due to their wave-like nature. As they travel through space, they exhibit both particle and wave-like properties, with their energy being proportional to their frequency. This results in the photon oscillating at a specific frequency, corresponding to its wavelength and energy level.

4. Do all photons vibrate at the same frequency?

No, not all photons vibrate at the same frequency. The frequency and wavelength of a photon are determined by its energy level, which can vary depending on the source of the photon. For example, photons emitted by different types of light sources, such as a laser or a light bulb, will have different frequencies and wavelengths.

5. What is the significance of studying photon vibration?

The study of photon vibration is important in understanding the behavior and properties of light, which is crucial in many fields such as optics, astronomy, and quantum mechanics. Additionally, understanding photon vibration can lead to advancements in technology, such as the development of more efficient solar cells and communication technologies.

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