Electromagnetic waves can interact with both protons and electrons, but the nature of the interaction differs depending on the specific properties of the particles involved.
Electrons: Electromagnetic waves can strongly interact with electrons. Electrons are charged particles, and they can absorb or emit electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light or radio waves. This interaction is responsible for various phenomena, including absorption, reflection, and transmission of electromagnetic waves, which are essential in optics and the behavior of materials.
Protons: Protons, which are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of atoms, can also interact with electromagnetic waves. However, compared to electrons, protons have a much larger mass, which makes their response to electromagnetic waves significantly weaker. The interaction of electromagnetic waves with protons is primarily through the electromagnetic force, which is responsible for binding protons together within the atomic nucleus.
It is important to note that the strength of the interaction between electromagnetic waves and particles is influenced by factors such as the charge and mass of the particles, as well as the frequency and intensity of the electromagnetic waves. In the case of atoms, the electrons, being in the outer shells and having a much lower mass compared to protons, are generally more susceptible to the influence of electromagnetic waves.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that other particles, such as neutrons, which are electrically neutral, do not directly interact with electromagnetic waves. However, their behavior can be influenced indirectly through interactions with charged particles, such as protons and electrons, within the atomic nucleus.