Are all physical quantities an equivalence relation?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on whether all physical quantities can be classified as equivalence relations. It begins with the proposition that if object A has the same mass as objects B and C, then B must have the same mass as C, questioning why this isn't a formal law like the zeroth law of thermodynamics. The conversation explores the possibility of physical quantities that do not adhere to transitive properties, posing hypothetical scenarios that challenge conventional understanding. It emphasizes that while quantities are properties, equivalence relations pertain to the relationships between these properties. Ultimately, the conclusion suggests that measuring or describing physical quantities typically involves equations that inherently function as equivalence relations.
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Consider this self-evident proposition: "If object A has the same mass as object B and object C separately, then object B has the same mass as object C." Why isn't this stated as a law, but the zeroth law of thermodynamics is?

Is there a physical quantity u such that the u of A is equal to the u of B and separately to the u of C, but the u of B is not equal to the u of C? (It is not right Euclidean.)

Is there a physical quantity u such that the u of A is more than the u of B, and the u of B is more than the u of C, but the u of A is not more than the u of C? (It is not transitive.)

Edit: More precisely, the topic question should be "is the relation brought about by every physical quantity an equivalence relation?", which is rather mouthful.
 
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A quantity is a property or an attribute, whereas a equivalence relation is a relation between two properties. So its per se not the same thing. As soon as you measure quantities or describe qualities you normally use equations which are per definition a equivalence relation.
E.g. if you look at fusion or fission processes you see that you cannot simply add up masses.
 
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