Differential Equations: Laws of Nature

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the expression of the laws of nature in physics, specifically examining whether both Newtonian Physics and Relativity are represented through differential equations. The scope includes theoretical aspects of physics and mathematical formulations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that both Newtonian Physics and General Relativity express laws of nature in the form of differential equations, citing examples such as F=ma and its differential form.
  • It is noted that General Relativity primarily involves systems of partial differential equations, which some participants consider more complex than those found in Special Relativity.
  • Others argue that Special Relativity also involves differential equations, particularly due to the role of velocity in its formulations, but they do not specify the complexity compared to General Relativity.
  • One participant seeks clarification on the specific case being discussed regarding Special Relativity's use of differential equations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that both Newtonian Physics and Relativity involve differential equations, but there is disagreement regarding the complexity and nature of these equations in Special Relativity compared to General Relativity.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the specific types of differential equations used in Special Relativity and how they compare to those in General Relativity. The discussion does not clarify the definitions or assumptions underlying these equations.

MetricBrian
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Is it true that both Newtonian Physics and Relativity express the laws of nature in the form of differential equations?
 
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Simply put, yes. Even the most innocent equations in Newtonian physics you can think of, for example:

[tex]F=ma[/tex]

are often differential equation in a more general case.

[tex]F= m\frac{d^2 x}{dt^2}[/tex]

General Relativity involves mostly systems of partial differential equations, so that's a no brainer.
 
Proggle said:
Simply put, yes. Even the most innocent equations in Newtonian physics you can think of, for example:

[tex]F=ma[/tex]

are often differential equation in a more general case.

[tex]F= m\frac{d^2 x}{dt^2}[/tex]

General Relativity involves mostly systems of partial differential equations, so that's a no brainer.

and this is also the case with special relativity?
 
Not sure which case you're referring to...

SR has plenty of differential equations involved (the very fact that the velocity of objects is involved in nearly everything in SR would suggest this fact), but not of the type and complexity of GR.
 
Proggle said:
Not sure which case you're referring to...

SR has plenty of differential equations involved (the very fact that the velocity of objects is involved in nearly everything in SR would suggest this fact), but not of the type and complexity of GR.

I was just verifying that SP expresses scientific laws as differential equations
 
Thanx for this information

and I want add this:

http://www.9m.com/upload/16-10-2007/0.9314701192484225.JPG
 

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