Electrons exchange photons as a result of their interaction through the electromagnetic force. The electromagnetic force is one of the fundamental forces in nature, and it is responsible for interactions between charged particles, such as electrons.
According to quantum electrodynamics (QED), which is the quantum field theory describing the electromagnetic force, the interaction between charged particles is mediated by the exchange of virtual photons. Virtual photons are particles that exist only for a very short time during the interaction process and cannot be directly observed.
The process of electron-electron interaction mediated by virtual photons can be understood as follows:
Two electrons repel each other due to their like charges. Each electron emits a virtual photon, which carries away energy and momentum.
The emitted virtual photons propagate between the electrons, representing the exchange of energy and momentum.
The electrons absorb the virtual photons emitted by the other electron, thereby changing their momentum and energy states.
The exchange of virtual photons alters the trajectory and behavior of the interacting electrons, resulting in a net force between them.
It's important to note that virtual photons are not the same as real photons, which are the particles of light we typically observe. Virtual photons are mathematical constructs used to describe the interaction between charged particles and are not directly detectable.
This process of exchanging virtual photons is essential for understanding the electromagnetic interactions between charged particles, including electrons. It allows for the transmission of forces and the alteration of electron trajectories, leading to the behavior we observe in electric and magnetic interactions.