Definition of voltage according to new school physics

A question that gets to the heart of modern physics!

In the context of New School Physics, also known as Quantum Field Theory (QFT), the concept of voltage is redefined to accommodate the principles of quantum mechanics and the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic level.

In classical electromagnetism, voltage is defined as the potential difference between two points in an electric circuit, measured in volts (V). This definition is based on the concept of electric potential energy, which is a scalar quantity that depends on the position of a charged particle in an electric field.

In New School Physics, the concept of voltage is reinterpreted in terms of the quantum mechanical properties of particles and fields. Specifically, voltage is described as a manifestation of the electromagnetic field, which is a fundamental field that permeates space and is mediated by photons.

According to QFT, the electromagnetic field is a quantum field that is described by a set of mathematical equations, known as the Maxwell's equations. These equations describe how the electromagnetic field interacts with charged particles, such as electrons and protons, and how it propagates through space.

In this framework, voltage is not a scalar quantity, but rather a vector quantity that describes the direction and magnitude of the electromagnetic field at a given point in space. The voltage is a measure of the strength of the electromagnetic field at that point, and it is related to the energy density of the field.

In other words, voltage is not just a measure of the potential difference between two points, but rather a description of the electromagnetic field itself, which is a fundamental aspect of the quantum mechanical universe.

To give you a sense of how this works, let's consider a simple example. Imagine a wire carrying an electric current. In classical electromagnetism, the voltage across the wire is described as the potential difference between the two ends of the wire. In New School Physics, the voltage is described as the electromagnetic field that permeates the wire, which is a manifestation of the quantum mechanical properties of the electrons and photons that make up the current.

In this framework, the voltage is not just a scalar quantity, but rather a vector quantity that describes the direction and magnitude of the electromagnetic field at each point in the wire. This allows for a more nuanced understanding of the behavior of electric currents and the electromagnetic field, which is essential for understanding many phenomena in modern physics and engineering.

I hope this helps to give you a sense of how the concept of voltage is redefined in New School Physics!