To understand how the fundamental forces of nature affect matter, it is necessary to grasp the concept of virtual particles. However, it’s important to note that virtual particles are not actually particles, despite the misleading term, according to Matt Strassler, a theoretical physicist at Harvard University. Furthermore, there is debate about whether these virtual particles are true physical components of the universe.
Contrary to popular belief, particles in the subatomic realm, as described by quantum theory, are not tiny billiard balls. Instead, they are fluctuations in underlying quantum fields. For example, the Higgs boson is a fluctuation in the Higgs field, while electrons are fluctuations in the electromagnetic field.
Although these fields exist throughout the entire universe, they cannot be directly observed. Instead, we observe particles, which are disturbances in these fields that persist over time and interact with other disturbances, resulting in the creation of more particles.
On the other hand, virtual particles are more elusive. They are temporary disturbances in underlying fields and cannot be directly detected. However, virtual particles do seem to influence the properties and behavior of other particles in measurable ways. They appear to be emitted and absorbed by real particles during interactions. Consequently, our understanding of electromagnetism and the strong and weak nuclear forces relies on the role of virtual particles.
…
