The discussion explores the concept of a hypothetical universe containing only a single point charge, examining whether the notions of field and energy are meaningful in such a scenario. Participants engage with theoretical implications and the application of physical laws in this context.
Participants express a range of views, with no consensus reached on the physical meaningfulness of a universe with a single point charge. The discussion remains unresolved, highlighting competing perspectives on the implications of such a scenario.
Participants acknowledge limitations in applying physical laws to a hypothetical universe, particularly regarding the definitions of fields and forces without additional charges or frames of reference.
Who cares about such a universe? It isn’t this one and we don’t have access to it to test any claims about it. Any statements you might make about it are not scientific.Altair Tans said:What if there is a universe with just one point charge in existence....just a charge with vast emptiness around it
If all laws of physics are the same then clearly fields and energy are defined.Altair Tans said:now here all laws of physics remain same...
But is the concept of field and energy defined there?
Hi, there are actually plenty of problems I had to do regarding this in my electromagnetism class. If you look at calculations involving Gaussian surfaces as well as coulomb'a law it should answer your question.Altair Tans said:What if there is a universe with just one point charge in existence....just a charge with vast emptiness around it....now here all laws of physics remain same...
But is the concept of field and energy defined there??
Aren't fields defined in terms of forces acting on a test charge, and how is that possible if there are no other charges?Dale said:If all laws of physics are the same then clearly fields and energy are defined.
In vacuum there are no charges, but there are fields. Your definition is a little wrong.greypilgrim said:Aren't fields defined in terms of forces acting on a test charge, and how is that possible if there are no other charges?
What are fields there for then?Dale said:In vacuum there are no charges, but there are fields. Your definition is a little wrong.
I am speaking in the sense that like if there's just one object in an empty universe its motion is not defined. Its moving or at rest is not defined as long as there's no frame to refer with.Altair Tans said:What are fields there for then?
What do you think? What things are associated with the fields that might cause problems if they didn’t exist in vacuum?Altair Tans said:What are fields there for then?
You stipulated a one-charge universe where all laws of physics remain the same as ours. There is a charge so by Gauss’ law there is a fieldAltair Tans said:I am speaking in the sense that like if there's just one object in an empty universe its motion is not defined. Its moving or at rest is not defined as long as there's no frame to refer with.
Similarly i believe without something to act upon the concept of force , field of force and energy associated with the force are all invalid.
Am i wrong somewhere?
How can we possibly know if your understanding of single charge universes is correct? I have no evidence to contradict your claims and you have no evidence to support them. There is no possibility to use the scientific method to answer such questions.Altair Tans said:Ok so there is a field, there is energy associated with it, but these quantities don't get a chance to be in use.
Is my understanding correct sir?
As @Dale says. This is a "tree falls in the forest" situation. Does it make a sound? It doesn't matter. Pick whichever answer yields a simpler theory.Dale said:How can we possibly know if your understanding of single charge universes is correct? I have no evidence to contradict your claims and you have no evidence to support them. There is no possibility to use the scientific method to answer such questions.