Does space and matter co-exist?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between space and matter, specifically whether they can coexist and how the presence of matter affects the nature of space. Participants explore theoretical implications and interpretations related to this concept.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that filling a cubic mile of space with matter would warp and curve the space, implying a co-existence of space and mass.
  • Another participant argues against the idea that matter displaces space, asserting that the volume remains the same regardless of the presence of matter.
  • A later reply introduces string theory, proposing that in empty space, strings are nonvibrating and begin to vibrate when mass is introduced, although the relevance of this to the main question is uncertain.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether matter displaces space or if they coexist in a different manner. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing interpretations present.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the assumptions made about the nature of space and matter, particularly regarding definitions of displacement and the implications of string theory, which are not fully explored.

MajorComplex
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This is a weird question... Imagine we had a cubic mile of space. If we where to fill that space with matter, what would happen to the space we just filled? It would get warped and curved because of the mass, does that suggest that there is actually something there co-existing with the mass to warp/curve?
 
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There is no need to add anything else. Occam's razor.
 
MajorComplex said:
This is a weird question... Imagine we had a cubic mile of space. If we where to fill that space with matter, what would happen to the space we just filled? It would get warped and curved because of the mass, does that suggest that there is actually something there co-existing with the mass to warp/curve?

You seem to be under the impression that matter "displaces" space. That's not true. If you fill a cubic mile of space with matter, you still have a cubic mile of space.
 
HallsofIvy said:
You seem to be under the impression that matter "displaces" space. That's not true. If you fill a cubic mile of space with matter, you still have a cubic mile of space.
A cubic mile is no longer a cubic mile when it is filled with matter.
 
Isn't there much speculation about this? I am under the impression that the string theory states that in empty space, strings are nonvibrating, and when mass arrives the strings begins to vibrate.

I am not sure, but it sounded relevant here.
 

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