20.08 Quantum Field Theory - a quantum field permeates all of space and time.

Published: 28 February 2024
on channel: Steven Elias
9,363
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Question and Multiple Choice at https://edpuzzle.com/media/662bd33c24...
In the words of the Gita, an ancient Hindu text, all actions take place in time by the interweaving of the forces of nature.
A quantum field is a fundamental concept in quantum field theory (QFT), which is the theoretical framework that combines classical field theory, special relativity, and quantum mechanics. QFT is used to construct quantum theories for the fundamental forces of nature, and it is the foundation for understanding particle physics and the behavior of matter at small (quantum) scales. At its core, a quantum field permeates all of space and time. Each type of elementary particle and antiparticle is associated with its own quantum field. For instance, there is an electron field for electrons, a positron field for positrons, a photon field for photons, and so on. These fields are not just fields of force like the classical electromagnetic field but are quantized, meaning that they have a discrete spectrum of possible states, just like the energy levels of an atom. Each field can be thought of as consisting of an infinite number of oscillators at every point in space, with each oscillator corresponding to a possible particle state. Particles are seen as excitations or quanta of these fields. When a field is excited, particles are created, and when it de-excites, particles are annihilated. Quantum fields exhibit wave-particle duality, meaning that they have properties of both waves and particles. Even in its lowest energy state, known as the vacuum state, a quantum field is not truly empty but exhibits fluctuations due to the uncertainty principle. These are known as vacuum fluctuations and can give rise to virtual particles that exist for a fleeting moment. QFT is the backbone of the Standard Model, which explains the electromagnetic, weak, and strong nuclear forces and classifies all known elementary particles. QFT is used to predict the outcomes of particle collisions, such as those studied in large hadron colliders. Concepts from QFT are also applied in condensed matter physics to understand phenomena like superconductivity and the quantum Hall effect. In the early universe, quantum field fluctuations are believed to have been stretched to macroscopic scales, leading to the large-scale structure we observe in the cosmos today. A quantum field is a fundamental concept in quantum field theory (QFT), which is the theoretical framework that combines classical field theory, special relativity, and quantum mechanics. QFT is used to construct quantum theories for the fundamental forces of nature, and it is the foundation for understanding particle physics and the behavior of matter at small (quantum) scales.


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