An electric field, is always associated with a charge. Then, if photon, or light is a changeless particle, then what does the electric field component of the associated electromagnetic wave mean?
2007-06-28 03:22:52 · 3 answers · asked by Satheesh 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
The particle model of light (photon) is incompatible in explaining the the change in polarisation angle when light passes through a medium (known as Faraday rotation).
We have to use the electromagnetic theory - that light is made up of two transverse oscillating waves - the electric and the magnetic, both are perpendicular to each other and propagate each other allowing light to travel towards the direction of travel. (Maxwell equations).
Think of visible light as an electromagnetic wave - like all radiation, hence the electric field component would be the electric waveform of light.
2007-06-28 03:33:12 · answer #1 · answered by Tsumego 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Photons are particle waves. This as in both. The other answers assume a plain wave. This would be true for light from very far away but not local. If you would like to really know reality rather than what is popular myth, try reading Vector Particle Physics. It is accurate and lends itself to greater understanding.
2007-06-28 14:13:15 · answer #2 · answered by wapermaster 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A photon is always created by the movement of a charged particle (eg. an electron falling to a lower energy level in an atom). Instead of thinking of the photon as a particle you can think of it as the propagation of this electric field through space.
2007-06-28 10:57:59 · answer #3 · answered by Daniel C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋