virtual photon

physics
Also known as: virtual particle

Learn about this topic in these articles:

quantum electrodynamics

subatomic particles

  • Large Hadron Collider
    In subatomic particle: Electromagnetism

    …borrowed photons are called “virtual” photons to distinguish them from real photons, which constitute electromagnetic radiation and can, in principle, exist forever. This concept of virtual particles in processes that fulfill the conditions of the uncertainty principle applies to the exchange of other gauge bosons as well.

    Read More