The Coulomb Force in the Classical Sense Is Understood in Terms

question 6

Multiple Choice

The Coulomb force in the classical sense is understood in terms of electric fields. However, in quantum mechanics, the Coulomb force is described in terms of exchange of virtual photons between the charged particles. Why doesn't the creation of the virtual photons violate the principle of conservation of energy?

• A) This is because in quantum mechanics energy is not conserved.
• B) The uncertainty principle, allows photons to be created provided they are absorbed within the time interval \(\Delta\)t.
• C) The photons do not have any energy since they are massless.
• D) The virtual photons are not real photons and hence do not carry any energy.
• E) None of these is correct.

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Definitions:

Straight-line Method

A method of calculating depreciation of an asset by evenly spreading its cost over the expected useful life.

Semiannual Interest

Interest payments made twice a year on loans, bonds, or deposits.

Bond Liability

A financial obligation representing money a company owes to bondholders, to be repaid at a future date, typically with interest.

Market Rate

The current interest rate available in the marketplace on loans, bonds, or deposits, often influenced by supply and demand and the monetary policy of central banks.