Virtual Photons

Virtual photons are temporary particles that mediate the electromagnetic force between charged objects, such as electrons or protons. Unlike real photons, which are actual particles of light that we can detect, virtual photons are transient and exist only during interactions, acting as carriers that transmit force. They’re a key concept in quantum physics, allowing particles to influence each other instantaneously over distances. Think of them as the invisible “messengers” facilitating electromagnetic interactions, effective only during the moment of contact, and do not appear as detectable light or radiation themselves.