This discussion explores the theoretical possibility of a universe composed of continuous matter rather than atomic structures. Participants argue that while such a universe is not our reality, classical mechanics allows for the logical consistency of a continuous matter model. The conversation references the continuum approximation and its implications for matter behavior, particularly in scenarios like neutron stars. Ultimately, the consensus is that while intriguing, the existence of a continuous matter universe remains speculative and unanswerable within our current understanding of physics.
PREREQUISITESPhysicists, students of theoretical physics, and anyone interested in the foundational concepts of matter and the universe's structure.
I reminds me of a brain teaser from Epstein's "Thinking Physics":DaleSpam said:I disagree, or at least I am not sure enough to definitely claim that it is logically impossible. Classical mechanics seems to be logically self consistent, so my initial guess is that such a universe would be logically possible.
I take "continuous" to mean "no space anywhere inside". I guess maybe a neutron star does that, or at least close?DaleSpam said:I disagree, or at least I am not sure enough to definitely claim that it is logically impossible. Classical mechanics seems to be logically self consistent, so my initial guess is that such a universe would be logically possible.
Clearly we do not live in such a universe, but in many cases it can be treated as such.
I think a continuous world would be one where the continuum approximation holds exactly, so there would be no atoms or fundamental particles of any kind, but only continuous blobs of matter that could be infinitely divided.phinds said:I take "continuous" to mean "no space anywhere inside". I guess maybe a neutron star does that, or at least close?
That's actually what I thought of as well, but I don't get how it's possible. If there are no particles, how does stuff come into being?DaleSpam said:I think a continuous world would be one where the continuum approximation holds exactly, so there would be no atoms or fundamental particles of any kind, but only continuous blobs of matter that could be infinitely divided.
Classical Mechanics isn't concerned with that. It just predicts what will happen given some initial state. And it often makes the continuum approximation, as Dale said.phinds said:If there are no particles, how does stuff come into being?
OK, thanks for that.A.T. said:Classical Mechanics isn't concerned with that. It just predicts what will happen given some initial state. And it often makes the continuum approximation, as Dale said.
black hole 123 said:This is probably stupid question but is it logically possible for a universe to exist where matter is continuous and not atomic? How would such matter be stopped from collapsing to a point?