B Is energy considered to be physical?

  • B
  • Thread starter Thread starter Robert P
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Energy Physical
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the concept of a "non-physical energy source," which many consider a contradiction, particularly in the context of the universe's creation. Participants emphasize the importance of context and scientific references when discussing such claims, suggesting that without credible sources, the idea is likely nonsensical. The conversation highlights that current scientific understanding cannot fully explain the origins of the universe, and any claims about non-physical energy should be scrutinized. Additionally, it is noted that mathematics may provide insights into the universe's existence beyond physical descriptions. Ultimately, the topic raises more questions than answers, indicating a need for further exploration in cosmology.
Robert P
Messages
19
Reaction score
1
If someone were to talk about "a non-physical energy source" would you consider that a contradiction in terms?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Probably.

Context is important, though. If you can give a reference for what you are talking about without violating PF rules (see the Acceptable Sources section here) on acceptable sources then we can look. If you can't find such a reference then you can safely conclude that it's rubbish.
 
Ibix said:
Probably.

Context is important, though. If you can give a reference for what you are talking about without violating PF rules (see the Acceptable Sources section here) on acceptable sources then we can look. If you can't find such a reference then you can safely conclude that it's rubbish.
It involves a discussion related to the creation of the universe - "where'd all the 'stuff' come from" - elsewhere, where someone references a "non-physical energy source". My initial reaction is that it's a contradiction in terms but I wanted to make sure I was correct related to terminology and principles.
 
You'd be better asking in the cosmology forum if you want to know about real theories related to the early universe, but I don't think we have an answer to where everything comes from.

I would expect that anybody talking about a "non-physical energy source" in that context is peddling non-scientific rubbish, yes. So ask for references discussing it. If they have a solid scientific source for the claim then we can discuss it here (or cosmology, better). If they have a serious philosophical argument then you'll have to make your own judgement (philosophy is off topic here). If they have neither, see my previous post.
 
  • Like
Likes sophiecentaur
Robert P said:
It involves a discussion related to the creation of the universe - "where'd all the 'stuff' come from" - elsewhere, where someone references a "non-physical energy source". My initial reaction is that it's a contradiction in terms but I wanted to make sure I was correct related to terminology and principles.
Any such discussion is really pretty fruitless because the 'answer' cannot be in terms of the Science we use today. That term " non-physical energy source" is actually implying that - i.e. where all the stuff came from cannot be described in 'Physical' terms alone.

It's down to Mathematics to try to show that our world could be there because of some logical reasoning about possible dimensions that a Universe can have. This link makes good reading and discusses something about how things are what they are. It's an attempt, as I see it, to use present ideas to take us back a step further in a possible history of things.
Not a direct answer to the OP, of course but it is perhaps a way in that doesn't need to answer that awkward question.
 
Thread 'Gauss' law seems to imply instantaneous electric field propagation'

Thread 'Gauss' law seems to imply instantaneous electric field propagation'

Imagine a charged sphere at the origin connected through an open switch to a vertical grounded wire. We wish to find an expression for the horizontal component of the electric field at a distance ##\mathbf{r}## from the sphere as it discharges. By using the Lorenz gauge condition: $$\nabla \cdot \mathbf{A} + \frac{1}{c^2}\frac{\partial \phi}{\partial t}=0\tag{1}$$ we find the following retarded solutions to the Maxwell equations If we assume that...
View full post »

Thread 'Do electron density waves accompany EM waves in coaxial cables?'

Maxwell’s equations imply the following wave equation for the electric field $$\nabla^2\mathbf{E}-\frac{1}{c^2}\frac{\partial^2\mathbf{E}}{\partial t^2} = \frac{1}{\varepsilon_0}\nabla\rho+\mu_0\frac{\partial\mathbf J}{\partial t}.\tag{1}$$ I wonder if eqn.##(1)## can be split into the following transverse part $$\nabla^2\mathbf{E}_T-\frac{1}{c^2}\frac{\partial^2\mathbf{E}_T}{\partial t^2} = \mu_0\frac{\partial\mathbf{J}_T}{\partial t}\tag{2}$$ and longitudinal part...
View full post »
Thread 'Recovering Hamilton's Equations from Poisson brackets'

Thread 'Recovering Hamilton's Equations from Poisson brackets'

The issue : Let me start by copying and pasting the relevant passage from the text, thanks to modern day methods of computing. The trouble is, in equation (4.79), it completely ignores the partial derivative of ##q_i## with respect to time, i.e. it puts ##\partial q_i/\partial t=0##. But ##q_i## is a dynamical variable of ##t##, or ##q_i(t)##. In the derivation of Hamilton's equations from the Hamiltonian, viz. ##H = p_i \dot q_i-L##, nowhere did we assume that ##\partial q_i/\partial...
View full post »

Similar threads

B Formal definition of work done
Replies
48
Views
2K
B Questions about Noether's theorem -- Conservation of Energy and Mass
Replies
9
Views
1K
I Infinite value of amplìtude of an undamped driven oscillator at resonance
Replies
18
Views
3K
I Derivatives of Energy: 2nd Time Rate of Change, Useless in Physics?
Replies
4
Views
795
I What Explains the Paradox of Mechanical Energy Conservation?
Replies
9
Views
2K
I Does gravitational energy travel like electrical energy?
Replies
1
Views
1K
I How do we calculate the energy we used to do something?
Replies
10
Views
2K
I Is energy a fundamental physical quantity or a derived one?
Replies
9
Views
3K
B Balancing on Pulley system
Replies
16
Views
1K
B Rotating Capacitor: Concentrating energy using accessible technology
Replies
5
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top