Is Energy Tangible or Just a Theoretical Concept?

Thread starter Mad_Eye
Start date Nov 24, 2009
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Energy Nature

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The discussion centers on whether energy is a tangible entity or merely a theoretical concept. Participants agree that energy is measurable, derived from basic quantities like force and displacement, but its measurement is relative to reference frames. Different forms of energy, such as kinetic and electrical potential energy, depend on context and reference points, leading to varying values in different frames of reference. While some argue that energy is an abstract concept, others emphasize its practical implications and measurable nature in real-world applications. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the complexity of defining energy and its relationship to physical systems.

Nov 28, 2009

Dale

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SystemTheory said:

where in the heck am I going to discover "the one and only zero energy" reference point?

You can set your zero energy wherever is convenient for most forms of energy. I think you are confusing invariance under gauge transformations with invariance under coordinate transformations.