Question

What is a photon build of?

Answer 1

Built*

Answer 2

That's rather difficult to describe quickly. Photons are quantum particles, which means they are very fundamental in nature, and are not simply composed of smaller pieces like atoms.
The basic story is you can say that scientists don't really know exactly what a photon is 'made of'. There are a variety of theories to describe the origin of quantum particular behavior, such as string theory, but non has been proven.
If you want to get a feel for how a photon behaves I think you have to start looking at quantum mechanics. Did you have a question more specific?

Answer 3

Well now i have two, What is string theory? What is quantum mechanics and where can i learn it?

Answer 4

Good questions!
String theory is about the idea that vibrations in the structure of space-time give rise to quantum particles. You really shouldn't try to study it too much until you know a bit more quantum mechanics.
Quantum mechanics is the physics of quantum particles like electrons, photons, etc. Ever wonder how all the + charges stay together in the nucleus of an atom? they should repel because they are all the same charge, but they are held together with what is called the strong nuclear force. This is probably not something you have studied yet it sounds like. What level of science do you know?

Answer 5

That sounds really interesting! The slight problem is that i am in 8th grade so i have a pretty limited level of knowledge, but i have been studying a few things on my own for a couple of weeks like the doppler effect, basic astronomy, electromagnetism and a few other subjects.

Answer 6

Well you're off to a good start.
I would recommend right now maybe studying chemistry. You need to learn a bit of quantum mechanics (QM) to understand how electrons behave.
See though if you can understand things like Young's experiment or Planks studies on Blackbody radiation.
As far as books, you might like "Schroedinger's Cat" but it is a bit advanced. Then again so is what you mentioned for your age.
There is a lot you should know before studying QM because that makes it make more sense (energy laws, momentum laws, etc.). QM is notoriously not intuitive.
Perhaps the OS user Jemurray can give you better insight. Try to look for him if you can

Answer 7

Thanks! When you say energy laws and momentum laws, what exactly do you mean?

Answer 8

Is shroedingers cat the one with the dead cat or the alive cat in the box?

Answer 9

yes, that box^

Answer 10

I think i wanted to read that boom in 2nd grade but my teacher just laughed at me...

Answer 11

It is a high aspiration, but the Doppler affect was not in my 8th grade curriculum either.
As far as energy and momentum laws I just means it pays to have a really good feel for how conservation of energy works, which can require higher mathematics.
Familiar formulas like the well known ones for momentum:\[P=mv\]and kinetic energy:\[E=\frac{1}{2}mv^2\]are rarely used in QM because the objects don't have the same traditional structure as those equations imagine.

Answer 12

Alright, do you know if jemurray is online?

Answer 13

he's not right now, but I'll be sure to point him in the direction of your posts next time I see him.

Answer 14

Thanks!

Answer 15

your welcome!

Answer 16

Inopeki: if you want an accessible introduction to modern physics, and in particular these topics in Quantum Theory, this book is very good:
http://www.amazon.com/Elegant-Universe-Superstrings-Dimensions-Ultimate/dp/0375708111/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1325439365&sr=1-1

Read the book, don't watch the TV series. The TV series is long on pretty visuals, but the book is long on meat.

Answer 17

Ill try to order it today, will it give me a "taste" of what quantum mechanics is about?

Answer 18

yes. How old are you btw?

Answer 19

14

Answer 20

got it

Answer 21

Why?

Answer 22

I know it is a bit young for these subjects but i want to become a physicist or engineer when i grow up so i figured i might aswell start now.