The discussion explores the concept of a universe composed of continuous matter rather than atomic matter, questioning the logical possibility of such a universe and the implications for physical behavior, particularly regarding stability and collapse.
Participants generally do not reach a consensus on the logical possibility of a universe made of continuous matter, with multiple competing views and ongoing uncertainty about the implications of such a model.
Limitations include the lack of a clear definition of "continuous" matter and unresolved questions about the nature of existence in a hypothetical continuous universe.
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?