Quantum Field Theory
Quantum Field Theory combines quantum mechanics and special relativity. It conceives all particles (like electrons or photons) not as points, but as excitations in underlying fields. Much like waves in the ocean, these excitations can interact with each other. This interaction is what we perceive as forces. For instance, the light you see is a series of interactions within the electromagnetic field. It's a rigorous framework used to understand the universe microscopically and has provided incredibly precise predictions confirmed by experimental data.
Additional Insights
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Quantum Field Theory (QFT) is a fundamental framework in physics that combines quantum mechanics and special relativity to describe how particles interact. Instead of viewing particles as individual entities, QFT treats them as excitations or "ripples" in underlying fields that permeate space. Each type of particle—like electrons or photons—has its corresponding field. Interactions occur when these fields interact, leading to phenomena like particle creation and annihilation. QFT is crucial for understanding the behavior of fundamental forces, such as electromagnetism and the weak nuclear force, and underpins the Standard Model of particle physics.