Exploring the Concept of Energy Fields in Physics

In summary: What kind of energy in physics where it has a separate field of its own?Can you point out the term "energy field" used in legitimate physics sources, so that it has a clear contextual definition?There is no one clear definition of "energy field." In general, though, energy fields are physical systems that have energy contained within them. This energy can be used to produce various effects, such as magnetic fields and electricity. Energy fields can also be used to transfer energy between objects.
  • #1
seazal
119
3
A field like magnetic field has energy content, so it has energy field.

Is it wrong to use the word "energy field" in physics and why?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
seazal said:
A field like magnetic field has energy content, so it has energy field.

Is it wrong to use the word "energy field" in physics and why?
"Energy field" is a woo woo term, not a physics term
 
  • #3
seazal said:
A field like magnetic field has energy content, so it has energy field.

Is it wrong to use the word "energy field" in physics and why?

Can you point out the term "energy field" used in legitimate physics sources, so that it has a clear contextual definition?

Zz.
 
  • #4
Remember Faraday introduced the concept of field to physics. According to Faraday, two electrically charged bodies can influence each other from a distance, even when they are not in contact with each other. This could be understood as the bodies being in an energy field through which they interact.

The above context of "energy field" is used correctly and meaningfully, is it not? It is everyday English and noun (or verb?) so it doesn't have to have legitimate contextual definition. Likewise when we described the LHC as huge. The word huge is everyday English and doesn't have to have a legitimate contextual definition.
 
  • #5
A magnetic field expresses force, but however does not do _Work_ (viz. _Energy_).

Imbuing static magnetic fields with energy is one of the fallacies often indulged in by Free Energy enthusiasts.

diogenesNY
 
  • #6
seazal said:
The above context of "energy field" is used correctly and meaningfully, is it not?
Not really. There is an electromagnetic field which has an associated energy density, but the energy is seen as a property of the electromagnetic field rather than a separate field on its own. The electromagnetic field has several other properties in addition to the energy density.

I am not aware of any professional scientists using this terminology. Is there any particular motivation for saying “the energy field” instead of “the field’s energy” (density)?
 
  • #7
diogenesNY said:
Imbuing static magnetic fields with energy is one of the fallacies often indulged in by Free Energy enthusiasts.
It is not a fallacy at all. Poynting’s theorem shows pretty clearly that a static magnetic field has energy, and also shows how to remove that energy. This energy is readily apparent when a superconducting magnet quenches and rapidly dissipates it.
 
  • #8
Dale said:
Not really. There is an electromagnetic field which has an associated energy density, but the energy is seen as a property of the electromagnetic field rather than a separate field on its own. The electromagnetic field has several other properties in addition to the energy density.

What kind of energy in physics where it has a separate field of its own? Can you give an example?

I am not aware of any professional scientists using this terminology. Is there any particular motivation for saying “the energy field” instead of “the field’s energy” (density)?

It is a medieval term which we must upgrade to modern form.
 
  • #9
seazal said:
What kind of energy in physics where it has a separate field of its own?
I don’t think there is one.

seazal said:
It is a medieval term which we must upgrade to modern form.
Or discard it. We have discarded many other medieval concepts. This seems like one that is already gone.
 
  • #10
Dale said:
I don’t think there is one.

Or discard it. We have discarded many other medieval concepts. This seems like one that is already gone.

I noticed field has many meanings. I looked up the dictionary.

"
field
noun
\ˈfēld \
Definition of field
(Entry 1 of 6)

1a(1): an open land area free of woods and buildings

(2): an area of land marked by the presence of particular objects or features dune fields

b(1): an area of cleared enclosed land used for cultivation or pasture a field of wheat

(2): land containing a natural resource oil fields

(3): airfield

c: the place where a battle is fought also : battle

d: a large unbroken expanse (as of ice)

2a: an area or division of an activity, subject, or profession the field of microbiology

b: the sphere of practical operation outside a base (such as a laboratory, office, or factory) geologists working in the field

c: an area for military exercises or maneuvers

d(1): an area constructed, equipped, or marked for sports a football field

(2): the portion of an indoor or outdoor sports area enclosed by the running track and on which field events are conducted

(3): any of the three sections of a baseball outfield hits to all fields

3: a space on which something is drawn or projected: such as

a: the space on the surface of a coin, medal, or seal that does not contain the design

b: the ground of each division in a flag

c: the whole surface of an escutcheon (see escutcheon sense 1)

4: the individuals that make up all or part of the participants in a contest The election attracted a large field of candidates.especially : all participants with the exception of the favorite or the winner in a contest where more than two are entered

5: the area visible through the lens of an optical instrument

6a: a region or space in which a given effect (such as magnetism) exists; a magnetic field, a gravitational field

b: a region of embryonic tissue capable of a particular type of differentiation (see differentiation sense 3) a morphogenetic field

7: a set of mathematical elements that is subject to two binary operations the second of which is distributive (see distributive sense 3) relative to the first and that constitutes a commutative (see commutative sense 2) group under the first operation and also under the second if the zero or unit element under the first is omitted

8: a complex of forces that serve as causative agents in human behavior

9: a series of drain tiles and an absorption area for septic-tank outflow

10: a particular area (as of a record in a database) in which the same type of information is regularly recorded

from the field
: in field goals as opposed to free throws made 40 percent of his shots from the field

"

so the term "energy field".. can mean "energy region". Hence it is not incorrect to use the term "energy field" to describe "energy region"?
 
  • #11
seazal said:
so the term "energy field".. can mean "energy region". Hence it is not incorrect to use the term "energy field" to describe "energy region"?
Do you think that you, single-handedly, are going to change physics nomenclature? Weird.
 
  • #12
seazal said:
so the term "energy field".. can mean "energy region". Hence it is not incorrect to use the term "energy field" to describe "energy region"?

What do you want us to tell you? Can you use the term "energy field"? Absolutely. Is it wrong to use it? No, as there is no body within the mainstream scientific community that will come tape your mouth shut and slap you on the wrist for using it. Will you get odd looks from scientists and others for using it? Yes, as no one uses it that way and using it will almost certainly lead to many misunderstandings and be frustrating for others.
 
  • Like
Likes davenn and phinds
  • #13
Drakkith said:
What do you want us to tell you? Can you use the term "energy field"? Absolutely. Is it wrong to use it? No, as there is no body within the mainstream scientific community that will come tape your mouth shut and slap you on the wrist for using it. Will you get odd looks from scientists and others for using it? Yes, as no one uses it that way and using it will almost certainly lead to many misunderstandings and be frustrating for others.

I understand it is not used in physics. But for non-physics usage, it is still correct grammar? we used the words grass field, economic field, etc. Can someone share what other "____ field" that people have genuinely used that is correct grammar? There is no linguistic forum here so let's share it here.
 
  • #14
Ok, this topic is officially beaten to death now. This is not the Dictionary Forum nor the Grammar Forum. This is Physics Forums.

You have been clearly answered and correctly taught from a physics perspective. If you want grammar lessons you will need to find a different venue.
 
  • Like
Likes davenn

What is the concept of energy fields in physics?

The concept of energy fields in physics refers to the idea that energy can be stored and transferred between objects or particles, creating a force field that affects their behavior and interactions. This concept is based on the fundamental laws of physics, such as the law of conservation of energy and the principles of electromagnetism.

How do energy fields affect the behavior of particles?

Energy fields can cause particles to move, accelerate, or change direction, depending on the type and strength of the field. For example, a gravitational field can cause objects to fall towards the center of the field, while an electric field can cause charged particles to attract or repel each other.

What are some examples of energy fields?

Some common examples of energy fields include gravitational fields, electric fields, magnetic fields, and electromagnetic fields. These fields can be created by objects with mass, electric charge, or moving electric charges, and they can have a significant impact on the behavior of particles within their influence.

How are energy fields related to the concept of potential energy?

Energy fields and potential energy are closely related concepts. Potential energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its position or configuration in a field. For example, an object at the top of a hill has a higher potential energy due to its position in the Earth's gravitational field. As the object moves towards the bottom of the hill, it converts potential energy into kinetic energy.

What is the role of energy fields in understanding the behavior of the universe?

Energy fields play a crucial role in understanding the behavior of the universe. They are essential in explaining many natural phenomena, such as the orbits of planets, the formation of stars and galaxies, and the behavior of subatomic particles. By studying energy fields, scientists can gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental laws of physics and how they govern the behavior of the universe.

Similar threads

  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
734
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
21
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
31
Views
999
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
2
Views
581
Back
Top