Sunday 10 December 2023

QUANTUM ELECTRODYNAMICS

How accurate is quantum electrodynamics?

Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) stands as one of the most accurate and extensively tested theories in physics, operating within the quantum field theory framework and underpinning the Standard Model of particle physics.

Noteworthy for its precision, QED has been rigorously tested against experimental measurements involving charged particles and electromagnetic fields, with notable agreements in phenomena like the anomalous magnetic moment of the electron and the Lamb shift in the hydrogen atom.

The technique of renormalization contributes to QED's success by addressing infinities in perturbation theory calculations. QED's predictive power is evident in accurate forecasts for electromagnetic interactions, aligning with experimental results in processes like electron-positron annihilation and Compton scattering. Built on the principles of special relativity, QED consistently combines quantum mechanics with special relativity, playing a vital role in the Standard Model. However, it's essential to recognize that while QED excels in describing low-energy interactions, it encounters limitations in extreme conditions, prompting ongoing searches for a more comprehensive theory that unifies all fundamental forces, including quantum gravity.

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