The discussion centers on the nature of vacuum in physics, particularly in relation to Lawrence Krauss's assertion that "empty space is a boiling, bubbling brew of virtual particles." Participants explore the implications of vacuum as either "something" or "nothing," referencing concepts such as vacuum energy and the Friedmann equation in cosmology. The conversation highlights the metaphysical aspects of defining vacuum and its relationship to the Big Bang theory, ultimately concluding that vacuum cannot be considered absolute nothingness due to the presence of gravitational and electromagnetic fields.
PREREQUISITESThis discussion is beneficial for physicists, cosmologists, and philosophy students interested in the foundational concepts of vacuum, the nature of existence, and the interplay between physics and metaphysics.
In the same way you have a picture of a vacuum in your mind.wonderingchicken said:people defined things differently according to different contexts.
phinds said:Physics terms are almost always very well defined. English language words and phrases not so much.
fresh_42 said:A definition might be incomplete in the sense that not all circumstances are explicitly noted. You won't consider a curved light beam in a lab, so it's allowed to assume that it follows a straight even without mentioning it. Or you can define the natural numbers with 0 or without, but those differences do usually not affect the consistency of a discussion. By far more likely is that terms are irregularly used. It is a common strategy to remain as vague as possible in order to leave options for withdrawls. It is rarely a definition that causes a misconception, it's normally the lack of it.
sophiecentaur said:In the same way you have a picture of a vacuum in your mind.
Here's a reference that lists over 3,000 of them. I'm sure we could find more but I'm not going to bother.wonderingchicken said:Sorry, but what are examples of physics terms that are very well defined if I may ask?
I haven't checked since I have no and do not want any subscription. But the very first term already looks like cheating! a.c. is mathematics!phinds said:Here's a reference that lists over 3,000 of them. I'm sure we could find more but I'm not going to bother.
https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780199233991.001.0001/acref-9780199233991
That could be alternating current, rather than the axiom of choice.fresh_42 said:I haven't checked since I have no and do not want any subscription. But the very first term already looks like cheating! a.c. is mathematics!
And I thought "almost certain".PeroK said:That could be alternating current, rather than the axiom of choice.
Acronyms are a.c. (always confusing).fresh_42 said:And I thought "almost certain".
wonderingchicken said:By something, with critical thinking, I define something as that which is contained within boundaries or limits. Basically that which is finite. What is synonymous with something is object such as an atom, "fields", etc. Anything with physical boundaries.