Everything Energy? My Thoughts on the Question

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of energy, exploring whether a system can be considered to have energy or if it can be defined as energy itself. Participants examine the vagueness of the definition of energy and its various forms, questioning the fundamental nature of energy in relation to systems and particles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that a system can have energy or be considered energy, raising questions about the nature of energy and its definition.
  • Another participant agrees that a system has a quantity of energy associated with it but argues against the notion that a system is energy, comparing it to the relationship between objects and color.
  • A different participant emphasizes the importance of established understanding over personal thoughts, suggesting that the discussion should focus on well-tested concepts rather than subjective opinions.
  • Another participant introduces the idea that the notion of 'everything is energy' may oversimplify the complexities involved in the unification of different energy forms.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of energy and its relationship to systems. There is no clear consensus, as some argue for a more traditional understanding while others challenge the definitions and implications of energy.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the vagueness of the definition of energy and the complexity of its various forms, indicating that assumptions may be missing and that the discussion is limited by the definitions used.

Lisastronomy
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I wondered about this question. According to me, there 2 ways you can look at it. A system can have energy, or a system is energy. Next to that, the idea of energy, the definition of energy seems a bit vague to me. There are so many types of energy, but what is it really? A system can have energy, like kinetic energy, but aren't in some sense all the particles also energy, and in the end is not everything energy? What are your thoughts on this?
 
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Lisastronomy said:
A system can have energy
Correct.
Lisastronomy said:
, or a system is energy.
Energy is a quantity associated with a system. Every system has a quantity of energy associated with it, but that doesn't mean that a system is energy. Any more than objects are colour.

Lisastronomy said:
Next to that, the idea of energy, the definition of energy seems a bit vague to me. There are so many types of energy, but what is it really? A system can have energy, like kinetic energy, but aren't in some sense all the particles also energy, and in the end is not everything energy? What are your thoughts on this?
You could try reading at least the introduction here:

https://www.feynmanlectures.caltech.edu/I_04.html

Or, slightly more off the wall:

 
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Lisastronomy said:
What are your thoughts on this?

It is not about what our thoughts are, it is about what is the well established and well tested understanding. There is really no need to break open door.
 
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Lisastronomy said:
What are your thoughts on this?
It is a bit paradoxical, but the very point of the 'great unifications' is to make an account for all the differences.
The 'everything is energy' is just a thin layer of paint meant to make it look all the same.
 

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