Questions About Objects Touching?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter T.O.E Dream
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of contact between objects, specifically focusing on the role of electromagnetic forces and the implications of altering these forces. Participants explore theoretical scenarios regarding the distance at which objects can interact and the consequences of changing fundamental physical laws.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that when two objects touch, it is actually the electromagnetic force that prevents them from coming into direct contact, raising a theoretical question about extending this force over larger distances.
  • Another participant counters that the electromagnetic force diminishes with distance according to an inverse square law, indicating that the proposed scenario is unlikely to work as suggested.
  • A third participant questions the implications of changing physical laws, proposing a different relationship (1/R) for the force and asking about its effects on reality.
  • Further, a participant agrees that altering the laws of physics could lead to any outcome, emphasizing the speculative nature of such changes.
  • Another participant argues that if one were to change the laws of physics, it would fundamentally disrupt established phenomena, such as the stability of Earth's orbit and the principles of chemistry.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of extending electromagnetic forces and the implications of changing physical laws. There is no consensus on the theoretical scenarios proposed.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of forces involved in atomic interactions, including electron bonding, which adds layers to the discussion about macroscopic effects. The discussion remains speculative regarding the consequences of altering fundamental physical laws.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring theoretical physics, the nature of forces, and the implications of changing fundamental principles in physics.

T.O.E Dream
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When two objects are touching, it`s really electromagnetic force repelling the two objects (so the atoms never actually touch), right? Well, what happens if this force can be extended over larger distances? For example, a brick can be touching the floor without being close to it? In theory is this right?
 
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Well the electromagnetic force dies off as an inverse square, so this probably wouldn't work. Also, the situation is more complicated than classical Coulomb repulsion. You've got electron bonding going on, as well as other forces that contribute to the macroscopic effect that we see in rigid objcts.
 
what happens if this force can be extended over larger distances?
do you mean what would happen to human reality if you changed this law of physics?
perhaps a 1/R relationship instead?
 
Yes, as tot points out, if you change the laws of physics, you can do anything you want.
 
If you try to change the 'laws of Physics' you ain't got Physics any more. One of the first things to go wrong would be the Earth's orbit; it couldn't be an ellipse / stable. Also, Chemistry would be all to hell . . . . . .
 

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