Negating the need for anything actually solid

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of touch and the concept of solidity in relation to atomic structure and electric charge. Participants explore whether physical contact is merely the result of repelling forces between negatively charged electrons and the implications of this view on the understanding of motion and matter.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that if all matter is composed of negatively charged electrons, then touching an object may not involve actual contact but rather the sensing of repelling forces between charges.
  • Another participant challenges the assertion that all matter is made solely of electrons, noting that atoms also contain protons and neutrons, leading to a net neutral charge in most objects.
  • It is noted that while the idea of touch as a repelling force is correct, the definition of "solid" contradicts the notion that nothing is solid.
  • Discussion includes the idea that motion could be explained by interactions between negatively charged entities and the positive charges in the surrounding medium, but acknowledges that other fundamental interactions also play a role.
  • One participant emphasizes that our understanding of nature does not solely rely on limited sensory perceptions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement on several key points, particularly regarding the composition of matter and the implications of charge interactions. The discussion remains unresolved with competing views on the nature of touch and solidity.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the assumptions made about atomic structure and the definitions of terms like "matter" and "solid." The discussion also reflects a dependence on interpretations of physical interactions that may not be universally accepted.

RPOL382
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If it’s true that every atom has negatively charged electrons on its outer shells, and if it’s true that all matter is made of such electrons, be it our finger or a mountain or a planet, (meaning that all ‘things’ are negatively charged) and if it’s further true that what appears is not necessarily what is ‘out there’ (since we have limited perceptive abilities which are then interpreted by our brains,) then can it be accurately stated that when we touch something, we may not be actually touching, but rather sensing the repelling force of the negative charge of what appears to us as our finger and that which is being ‘touched’?

If so, there need not be anything solid (even though perceptively it seems to appear that way), but it may be forces of some kind repelling each other.

Similarly, motion may be the interaction of what appears as negatively charged ‘things’ being repelled by the positive charges of the medium in which we live.

Where have I gone wrong?
 
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RPOL382 said:
Similarly, motion may be the interaction of what appears as negatively charged ‘things’ being repelled by the positive charges of the medium in which we live.

Where have I gone wrong?
Posting a private, speculative theory to PF, in violation of our guidelines.
 
Welcome to PF;
RPOL382 said:
If it’s true that every atom has negatively charged electrons on its outer shells,
... yes, it is.

... and if it’s true that all matter is made of such electrons,...
No it isn't.
Though "matter" is an imprecise term, there are particles other than electrons.
The atoms of everyday life are composed of electrons, protons, and neutrons.

... be it our finger or a mountain or a planet, (meaning that all ‘things’ are negatively charged)
... such objects tend to carry a net neutral charge - although things like "fingers" may have a surface charge separate from them being composed of atoms.

... and if it’s further true that what appears is not necessarily what is ‘out there’ (since we have limited perceptive abilities which are then interpreted by our brains,) then can it be accurately stated that when we touch something, we may not be actually touching, but rather sensing the repelling force of the negative charge of what appears to us as our finger and that which is being ‘touched’?
This is correct though ... there is no such thing as surface contact in the classical sense.

If so, there need not be anything solid (even though perceptively it seems to appear that way), but it may be forces of some kind repelling each other.
That is the definition of "solid".

Similarly, motion may be the interaction of what appears as negatively charged ‘things’ being repelled by the positive charges of the medium in which we live.
"The medium in which we live" would be a mixture of air and water (mostly) ... which is composed of atoms, which have both positive and negative charges. Most of the interactions are between electrons, but some involve the nuclei more directly - such as when covalent bonds form.

Motion is change in position.
Interaction of charges is one way that motion can happen - but there are three other fundamental interactions to consider. As well as electromagnetic interactions between charges, there are nuclear interactions (2 kinds) and gravity.
We do not rely on our limited senses to tell us about Nature.
 

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