How do fields change if there's no void

[Pjpic]

If the value of a field at a point in space changes from (for simplicity) 2 to 5. Where is the space for the additional 3 found if there is already a field of x strength at every point?

 

[Freeman Dyson]

This is an interesting question I would like an answer to too. I am reading this:

"One of the primary roles of the vacuum state in quantum field theory has been to serve as a physically distinguished reference state with respect to which other physical states can be defined and referred."

 

[Pjpic]

roles of the vacuum state in quantum field theory has been to serve as a physically distinguished reference state

I wonder if they use vacuum state as "close enough for our purposes" and so don't really need to look at the concept of void.

 

[Born2bwire]

What do you mean additional space? A field does not take up any physical volume of space.

 

[Pjpic]

My understand is obviously limited. But, if they say space is full of fields doesn't it follow that fields occupy a space? Besides, how can something have a location if the location does take up space?

 

[Born2bwire]

No, a field does not take up a volume of space. There are no restrictions on the number or amplitude of fields in a given volume.

 

[Pjpic]

a field does not take up a volume of space.

This sounds counter intuitive. Is there a popular level book that talks about this?

 

[Freeman Dyson]

Don't fields just run touch other fields? fields on fields.

 

[Born2bwire]

a field does not take up a volume of space.

This sounds counter intuitive. Is there a popular level book that talks about this?

*shrug* Any physics textbook that involves electrodynamics should explain fields. It is a basic concept of physics. Griffiths Introduction to Electrodynamics is a good text.