Are Physical Waves Real Objects?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the nature of physical waves, such as sound and water waves, and whether they can be considered real physical objects independent of the mediums through which they propagate. The inquiry explores theoretical and conceptual aspects of wave phenomena.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that physical waves are predicates of the subject matter, indicating that sound waves are compression waves and water waves are transverse waves.
  • Others question whether the wave itself can be classified as a physical object, separate from the medium that facilitates its movement.
  • A participant presents a hypothetical scenario about playing a noise in an empty room to challenge the notion of the wave's physicality.
  • There are repeated inquiries about the definition of "noise" and its implications for understanding physical waves.
  • One participant expresses frustration with the direction of the discussion, suggesting it lacks progress.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether physical waves are real objects, as multiple competing views remain regarding the nature of waves and their relationship to the mediums they traverse.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes unresolved definitions and assumptions about what constitutes a "physical object" and the nature of waves versus their mediums.

Nick V
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Are physical waves, like sound waves, or water waves, real physical objects like matter?
 
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They are a predicate of the subject matter. Sound waves are compression waves. Water waves are transverse waves. Both/each have molecules translating from their relaxed positions.
 
Doug Huffman said:
They are a predicate of the subject matter. Sound waves are compression waves. Water waves are transverse waves. Both/each have molecules translating from their relaxed positions.
But I am asking if the wave it self is a physical object, not the medium they travel through
 
For example, if i completely emptied a room and took out all the atoms and molecules in there, and then played a noise in the room, would the sound wave itself be physical?
 
Learn predicate(subject). What do you think is "noise"?
 
Doug Huffman said:
Learn predicate(subject). What do you think is "noise"?
Are you stating that physical waves are really physical or not? I'm specifically concerning the wave and not the medium which it travels through.
 

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