Question

Are photons (p) and electrons (e) just different forms of the same fundamental energetic driving force? I.e. does the (p) become part of the (e) as it hits matter and excites the (e), and then emitted as a (p) again when the (e) relaxes?

Answer 1

Photons and electrons are fundamentally different particles with distinct properties, and they cannot be considered as different forms of the same fundamental energetic driving force. Let's explore their characteristics:

Photons:

• Photons are elementary particles of light and electromagnetic radiation.
• They have zero rest mass and travel at the speed of light in a vacuum.
• Photons are described by wave-particle duality, exhibiting both particle-like and wave-like behavior.
• They carry energy and momentum but do not have an electric charge.
• Photons interact with matter through processes such as absorption, emission, and scattering, where they can transfer their energy to electrons or other particles.

Electrons:

• Electrons are elementary particles with a negative electric charge and a rest mass.
• They are fundamental constituents of matter and are present in atoms, forming the electron cloud around the atomic nucleus.
• Electrons exhibit particle-like behavior and can be described by quantum mechanics.
• They have wave-like properties, described by their associated wave function.
• Electrons possess energy and momentum and can participate in various interactions, including scattering, excitation, and relaxation within atoms or materials.

When a photon interacts with matter, such as hitting an atom, several processes can occur:

1. Absorption: The photon transfers its energy to an electron in the atom, promoting the electron to a higher energy level or even liberating it from the atom.

2. Emission: An excited electron can transition to a lower energy level within the atom, releasing a photon with energy corresponding to the energy difference between the levels.

3. Scattering: The photon can change direction and energy through interaction with charged particles, including electrons, without being absorbed or emitted.

In these interactions, the photon and the electron are distinct entities, and the photon does not transform into an electron or vice versa. The energy and momentum are exchanged between the two particles, but they remain separate entities.

In summary, photons and electrons are not different forms of the same fundamental energetic driving force. They are fundamentally different particles with unique properties and behaviors.