Is the Term Energy Field Misused in Physics?

[seazal]

A field like magnetic field has energy content, so it has energy field.

Is it wrong to use the word "energy field" in physics and why?

 

[phinds]

A field like magnetic field has energy content, so it has energy field.

Is it wrong to use the word "energy field" in physics and why?

"Energy field" is a woo woo term, not a physics term

 

[ZapperZ]

A field like magnetic field has energy content, so it has energy field.

Is it wrong to use the word "energy field" in physics and why?

Can you point out the term "energy field" used in legitimate physics sources, so that it has a clear contextual definition?

Zz.

 

[seazal]

Remember Faraday introduced the concept of field to physics. According to Faraday, two electrically charged bodies can influence each other from a distance, even when they are not in contact with each other. This could be understood as the bodies being in an energy field through which they interact.

The above context of "energy field" is used correctly and meaningfully, is it not? It is everyday English and noun (or verb?) so it doesn't have to have legitimate contextual definition. Likewise when we described the LHC as huge. The word huge is everyday English and doesn't have to have a legitimate contextual definition.

 

[diogenesNY]

A magnetic field expresses force, but however does not do _Work_ (viz. _Energy_).

Imbuing static magnetic fields with energy is one of the fallacies often indulged in by Free Energy enthusiasts.

diogenesNY

 

[Dale]

The above context of "energy field" is used correctly and meaningfully, is it not?

Not really. There is an electromagnetic field which has an associated energy density, but the energy is seen as a property of the electromagnetic field rather than a separate field on its own. The electromagnetic field has several other properties in addition to the energy density.

I am not aware of any professional scientists using this terminology. Is there any particular motivation for saying “the energy field” instead of “the field’s energy” (density)?

 

[Dale]

Imbuing static magnetic fields with energy is one of the fallacies often indulged in by Free Energy enthusiasts.

It is not a fallacy at all. Poynting’s theorem shows pretty clearly that a static magnetic field has energy, and also shows how to remove that energy. This energy is readily apparent when a superconducting magnet quenches and rapidly dissipates it.

 

[seazal]

Not really. There is an electromagnetic field which has an associated energy density, but the energy is seen as a property of the electromagnetic field rather than a separate field on its own. The electromagnetic field has several other properties in addition to the energy density.

What kind of energy in physics where it has a separate field of its own? Can you give an example?

I am not aware of any professional scientists using this terminology. Is there any particular motivation for saying “the energy field” instead of “the field’s energy” (density)?

It is a medieval term which we must upgrade to modern form.

 

[Dale]

What kind of energy in physics where it has a separate field of its own?

I don’t think there is one.

It is a medieval term which we must upgrade to modern form.

Or discard it. We have discarded many other medieval concepts. This seems like one that is already gone.

 

[seazal]

I don’t think there is one.

Or discard it. We have discarded many other medieval concepts. This seems like one that is already gone.

I noticed field has many meanings. I looked up the dictionary.

"
field
noun
\ˈfēld \
Definition of field
(Entry 1 of 6)

1a(1): an open land area free of woods and buildings

(2): an area of land marked by the presence of particular objects or features dune fields

b(1): an area of cleared enclosed land used for cultivation or pasture a field of wheat

(2): land containing a natural resource oil fields

(3): airfield

c: the place where a battle is fought also : battle

d: a large unbroken expanse (as of ice)

2a: an area or division of an activity, subject, or profession the field of microbiology

b: the sphere of practical operation outside a base (such as a laboratory, office, or factory) geologists working in the field

c: an area for military exercises or maneuvers

d(1): an area constructed, equipped, or marked for sports a football field

(2): the portion of an indoor or outdoor sports area enclosed by the running track and on which field events are conducted

(3): any of the three sections of a baseball outfield hits to all fields

3: a space on which something is drawn or projected: such as

a: the space on the surface of a coin, medal, or seal that does not contain the design

b: the ground of each division in a flag

c: the whole surface of an escutcheon (see escutcheon sense 1)

4: the individuals that make up all or part of the participants in a contest The election attracted a large field of candidates.especially : all participants with the exception of the favorite or the winner in a contest where more than two are entered

5: the area visible through the lens of an optical instrument

6a: a region or space in which a given effect (such as magnetism) exists; a magnetic field, a gravitational field

b: a region of embryonic tissue capable of a particular type of differentiation (see differentiation sense 3) a morphogenetic field

7: a set of mathematical elements that is subject to two binary operations the second of which is distributive (see distributive sense 3) relative to the first and that constitutes a commutative (see commutative sense 2) group under the first operation and also under the second if the zero or unit element under the first is omitted

8: a complex of forces that serve as causative agents in human behavior

9: a series of drain tiles and an absorption area for septic-tank outflow

10: a particular area (as of a record in a database) in which the same type of information is regularly recorded

from the field
: in field goals as opposed to free throws made 40 percent of his shots from the field

"

so the term "energy field".. can mean "energy region". Hence it is not incorrect to use the term "energy field" to describe "energy region"?

 

[phinds]

so the term "energy field".. can mean "energy region". Hence it is not incorrect to use the term "energy field" to describe "energy region"?

Do you think that you, single-handedly, are going to change physics nomenclature? Weird.

 

[Drakkith]

so the term "energy field".. can mean "energy region". Hence it is not incorrect to use the term "energy field" to describe "energy region"?

What do you want us to tell you? Can you use the term "energy field"? Absolutely. Is it wrong to use it? No, as there is no body within the mainstream scientific community that will come tape your mouth shut and slap you on the wrist for using it. Will you get odd looks from scientists and others for using it? Yes, as no one uses it that way and using it will almost certainly lead to many misunderstandings and be frustrating for others.

 

[seazal]

What do you want us to tell you? Can you use the term "energy field"? Absolutely. Is it wrong to use it? No, as there is no body within the mainstream scientific community that will come tape your mouth shut and slap you on the wrist for using it. Will you get odd looks from scientists and others for using it? Yes, as no one uses it that way and using it will almost certainly lead to many misunderstandings and be frustrating for others.

I understand it is not used in physics. But for non-physics usage, it is still correct grammar? we used the words grass field, economic field, etc. Can someone share what other "____ field" that people have genuinely used that is correct grammar? There is no linguistic forum here so let's share it here.

 

[Dale]

Ok, this topic is officially beaten to death now. This is not the Dictionary Forum nor the Grammar Forum. This is Physics Forums.

You have been clearly answered and correctly taught from a physics perspective. If you want grammar lessons you will need to find a different venue.