Does Space-Time Exist Without Energy?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the existence of space-time in the absence of mass or energy, referencing special relativity. It concludes that while space-time can theoretically exist without energy, this concept remains unverifiable and outside the current scientific realm. The field equations suggest that space-time could exist independently of energy, similar to electromagnetic fields existing without charges, though the conditions for such existence require consistent boundary conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity
  • Familiarity with field equations in physics
  • Knowledge of electromagnetic fields and their properties
  • Basic grasp of boundary conditions in scientific theories
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of special relativity on space-time concepts
  • Study the mathematical formulation of field equations
  • Explore the relationship between electromagnetic fields and charges
  • Investigate boundary conditions in theoretical physics
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Physicists, students of theoretical physics, and anyone interested in the fundamental concepts of space-time and energy interactions.

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If there was no mass/energy would space time still exist? In other words, does on space time only exist because of an interaction between two points of energy?
 
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A spacetime without mass or energy is the one described by special relativity.

Whether such a thing could exist or not (as a real thing rather than a useful approximation) is unverifiable, since we aren't in such a spacetime and have no access to any other, even if they exist. That means it's outside the realm of science, at least at our current level of understanding.
 
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I think a better question is "could there be spacetime w/o energy". The answer is yes according to the field equations. Now, the same is true for EM in that electromagnetic fields can exist without charges but it's less clear they would exist if there were no charges. I guess my point is that the field equations need to be supplemented with reasonable and consistent boundary conditions.
 
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