MadSci Network: Physics |
From particle physics the interaction of two particles can be described as the exchange of a virtual particle. For each of the fundamental forces: Gravity, electromagnetism, strong and weak nuclear force there is a force carrying particle. For interactions involving the nuclear forces the virtual particles whatever they are (I don't know their names) are as implied "virtual" and lack any physical identity outside the interaction. However, if enough energy is involved in the interaction the virtual particle can be transformed into a real particle (very short lifetime for some). For electrons the exchange particle is a virtual photon. I was wondering if there was some way to calculate the approximate "wavelength" of this virtual exchange particle which would be present in the interaction between electrons as they transfer energy in an ordinary A/C powerline. Could this also be related to the radio emmission given off by powerlines and detectable on an AM radio? If so, what would be the effect of transmitting the same radio frequency back at the powerline but completely out-of-phase (complete destructive interference)? I would assume it would tend to neutralize the current.
Re: Virtual Photons and Electricity (electron-electron interaction)
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