Classical electromagnetic theory regards light as a self-excited continuous electromagnetic wave propagating in vacuum, with electric and magnetic fields originating from charge sources, and light waves equated to spatially extended mechanical waves capable of transmitting electromagnetic force, such as water waves. This theoretical framework has long contained a core self-contradictory logical paradox: photons carry no net electric charge yet continuously display alternating electromagnetic observational signals, whose physical origin cannot be explained self-consistently by the classical charge radiation model. This paper establishes a purely particle-based model: the intrinsic form of light is independent high-speed energetic particles, rather than spatially diffuse continuous field waves that exist separately. During propagation, photons possess inherent trembling strictly perpendicular to their travel direction. The moment a single photon is generated, it locks a unique trembling orientation within the full 360° spatial range perpendicular to its propagation path, and this angle remains permanently constant without external collisions or interactions. This paper puts forward an innovative core viewpoint: the alternating electromagnetic response associated with photons is not electrostatic radiation excited by electric charges, but a transient dynamic spatial energy gradient appearance formed by the combined disturbance of space caused by the spin and reciprocating trembling of photon energy bodies. Observation equipment captures periodic alternating signals, so macroscopically light can be described as possessing an apparent electromagnetic wave feature. However, this feature is fundamentally distinct from traditional electromagnetic waves radiated by charges: the electromagnetic disturbance accompanying photons moves synchronously only with photons, presenting a transient spatial fluctuation that vanishes instantly once the photon passes and leaves no long-term effects, without undertaking the function of transmitting electromagnetic force. Electromagnetic waves radiated by charges exist relying on static charge fields, and the fields dissipate instantaneously when charges disappear. Polarization experiments can intuitively verify the constant trembling orientation and stable particle nature of photons. This paper strictly distinguishes the transient disturbance appearance of particles from force-transmitting traditional electromagnetic waves, thoroughly negates the classical definition of photons as carriers of electromagnetic interaction, fully elaborates two mechanisms: lossless propagation in vacuum and energy attenuation via medium coupling, and resolves the theoretical paradox that charge-free energetic particles generate alternating electromagnetic signals.
Jiaqing Yan (Tue,) studied this question.