Single Idea 21209

[catalogued under 27. Natural Reality / B. Modern Physics / 2. Electrodynamics / a. Electrodynamics]

Full Idea

In QED an electron constantly emits and reabsorbs virtual photons and these photons constantly create and reabsorb pairs of virtual electrons and positrons, and so on.

Gist of Idea

Electron emit and reabsorb photons, which create and reabsorb virtual electrons and positrons

Source

Brian R. Martin (Particle Physics [2011], 06)

Book Reference

Martin, Brian R.: 'Particle Physics' [One World 2011], p.91


A Reaction

'And so on'! These virtual particles have energy, and hence mass.

Related Idea

Idea 21210 Virtual particles surround any charged particle [Martin,BR]