Energy is definitively classified as a scalar quantity, contrary to some claims that it can be considered a vector. The discussion highlights that while force is a vector, energy's scalar nature is crucial for the conservation laws in physics, particularly during uniform circular motion. Some participants attempted to introduce the concept of energy as a quaternion quantity, suggesting a 4D framework, but this perspective lacks acceptance in mainstream physics. The consensus remains that energy is a scalar, and any confusion arises from misinterpretations of physical concepts.
PREREQUISITESStudents of physics, educators in the field, and anyone interested in understanding the fundamental properties of energy and its classification in physical theories.
Pengwuino said:Energy is a scalar. What gave you the impression it could be a vector?
Answer2:
Yes. Energy is a scalar and a vector. Energy is a Quaternion quantity consisting of a scalar and three vectors, forming a 4D quantity.Early scientists started with scalar quantities. With Faraday's field theory (directed lines), vectors came into physics.However, the early definition of energy as scalar persisted to this day.
Vector energy is all around us, but we are blinded by dogma. F.D is called energy, but FxD is vector energy but is called Torque.I think we are about to lift the blindness. "Dark Energy" in Astronomy is vector energy. The Dark Energy is cmV = cP. Here is vector energy, Momentum energy. Momentum is a vector and Momentum energy cP is also a vector. A scalar c times a vector is a vector ! If there is vector momentum, there must be vector energy!
The correct Equation off Gravitation Energy is E = -mGM/r + mcV = -mu/r + cP.Newton did not include the vector energy cP=cmV. This was equivalent to saying the mass m, had velocity zero , E= -mu/r + mc0. Such is NOT the case. This is like saying the Earth is orbiting the sun with velocity 0, when it is moving at 30km/s. it is the vector energy cmV that provides the centrifugal force to keep the Earth from falling into the sun. It is the vector energy that is the "dark Energy" that is the anti-gravity (centrifugal) force. Vector Energy removes the mystery of "Dark Energy".
Newton's Three laws are derived from this vector energy, that Newton incorporated.Force F = XE = [d/dr, DEL] m[-u/r , cV]F = m[v2/r - cDEL.V, cdV/dr +u/r3 R + cDELxV]
At Equilibrium 0 = F and DELxV=0 meaning R and V are parallel and. It is essential that DELxV =0 for the vectors to sum to zero.The result is
0 = m[v2/r - cv/r, cdV/dr + u/r3 R ]
Equilibrium Condition exists when v/c=1 or v=c.
Newton's Equal and Parallel phrase comes form
0 = m(dV/dt + u/r3 R) comes from
0 = cdV/dr - DEL u/r
Newto added the term 'mdV/dt' a vector, before vectors, This term is the vector energy P=cmV and dcP/dr = cmdV/cdt = mdV/dt, voila!
It is time to recognize that we live in a 4D Universe and Energy is a 4D Quantity.
...forming a 4D quantity...but FxD is vector energy