Does 'isolated' mean 'free'?

  • Thread starter grzz
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Mean
So while the two terms may overlap in some cases, they are not necessarily redundant.In summary, the discussion explores whether there is redundancy in the phrase 'an isolated free particle' and whether the words 'free' and 'isolated' imply each other. It is argued that while there may be some overlap between the two terms, they have distinct meanings in terms of the absence of interaction with the environment and the unrestricted motion of the object. The ambiguity in natural language may suggest the use of some redundancy for clarity.
  • #1
grzz
1,006
15
Is there redundancy in the phrase ‘an isolated free particle’?

Do not the words ‘free’ and ‘isolated’ imply each other?

Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
grzz said:
Is there redundancy in the phrase ‘an isolated free particle’?
Do not the words ‘free’ and ‘isolated’ imply each other?

Perhaps they should, but natural language is sufficiently imprecise that we're better off with a bit of redundancy.
 
  • #3
Thanks Nugatory.

I wonder whether Dirac would have used the phrase ‘an isolated free particle’!
 
  • #4
No, I don't think there is redundancy.
E.g. an ion in an ion trap can be extremely well isolated from the environment but you could hardly refer to it as "free".
The electrons in a free electron laser are (obviously) free, but since they are radiating they are not isolated.

I think of "isolation" as referring to the absence of interaction with the environment, whereas "free" means that the motion of the object itself is not restricted.
 

1. What does the term "isolated" mean in a scientific context?

In science, the term "isolated" typically refers to something that is separated or cut off from its surroundings or other similar objects.

2. Does "isolated" always mean "free"?

No, "isolated" does not always mean "free". While something that is isolated may be free from external influences, it does not necessarily mean that it is free in the sense of being independent or unrestricted.

3. Can something be isolated but not free?

Yes, something can be isolated but not free. For example, a specimen in a laboratory may be isolated from its natural environment, but it is not free as it is being controlled and observed by scientists.

4. Is "isolated" a relative term?

Yes, "isolated" is a relative term. Something that is considered isolated in one context may not be considered isolated in another context. It depends on what it is being compared to.

5. How is the term "isolated" used in different scientific fields?

The term "isolated" is used in various ways in different scientific fields. For example, in biology, it may refer to a species that only exists in one specific area. In chemistry, it may refer to a substance that is pure and free from impurities. In physics, it may refer to a system that is closed off from external forces. It is important to consider the specific context when using the term "isolated" in a scientific context.

Similar threads

Replies
7
Views
4K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
8
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Other Physics Topics
2
Replies
35
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
3
Replies
84
Views
5K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
3
Views
6K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Back
Top