The discussion centers on the application of force in a vacuum, specifically whether two individuals can exert forces on each other in such an environment. Participants clarify that forces, including gravitational and electrical fields, can indeed exist in a vacuum, contradicting the notion that Newtonian forces do not apply. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the distinction between a vacuum and a fieldless region, emphasizing that fields can exist even in a vacuum, allowing for the exertion of forces.
PREREQUISITESStudents of physics, educators, and anyone interested in the fundamental principles of force and motion in vacuum conditions.
Yes. Yes. Yes. Think about it for a moment.donaldparida said:Is the capability to apply force dependent on the medium.Suppose two human beings are placed in vacuum.Now, can they apply forces on each other?
Also, can force fields such as gravitational and electrical fields exist in vacuum and if so then why?
What else should happen? That they pass through each other like ghosts, or what?donaldparida said:Suppose two human beings are placed in vacuum. Now, can they apply forces on each other?
You do realize that we already sent humans and robots into space?donaldparida said:Then replace the humans with robots.
Maybe he meant the fieldless region not the vacuum as such?donaldparida said:No, he did not provide an explanation. Well the conversation between us was somewhat like this:
Me- What happens to the energy of an object when we lift an object in a vacuum or a fieldless region as opposed to the case when we lift it in a field such as a gravitational field(in which case its P.E. increases).
Teacher-Newtonian forces do not exist in vacuum and so the question of lifting them in vacuum does not arise.
donaldparida said:I guess you are talking about field forces and what about forces applied by contact.