The "What is?" Post | Theoretical Physics

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on foundational questions in theoretical physics, specifically regarding the nature of energy, dark matter, and the propagation of electromagnetic waves. Key inquiries include the composition of energy in the universe, the definitions of dark energy and dark matter, and the concept of fields. The participant emphasizes the need for further research on these topics, suggesting resources like Wikipedia for deeper understanding. The conversation encourages focused questions for more effective engagement in the forum.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of theoretical physics concepts
  • Familiarity with group and set theory
  • Knowledge of electromagnetic wave propagation
  • Awareness of dark matter and dark energy theories
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the nature of energy in the universe
  • Explore the definitions and implications of dark energy and dark matter
  • Study the propagation of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum
  • Investigate the concept of fields in physics, including particle and wave theories
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students and enthusiasts of theoretical physics, particularly those seeking to understand fundamental concepts and engage with complex topics in the field.

Waker225
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The "What is?" Post

I'm almost deathly afraid of posting here from the responses I got on IRC.

Just starting out in theoretical physics and finding my way around manually, having done some light research, and having studied group and set theory extensively enough, I'm wondering a few things.

1. What -is- energy in the universe? What is it comprised of?
2. Is "Dark Energy" or "Dark Matter" some unit of space?
3. Why can electromagnetic waves travel through a vaccum? Isn't there some sort of medium they need to go through? Wouldn't Dark Energy explain that medium by being the "energy" of space that particles propagate through?
4. Space and Time. What if they were energies? What if Spatial Energy, as I'd like to call it, is something that is constantly additive relative to what it affects? What if Temporal Energy was constantly subtractive? (Think of it like this: in a universe with only Spatial Energy, as I move, I would see every "frame" of my movement as I walked along, and in Temporal Energy, I wouldn't be seeing anything, because it'd be constantly subtracting my mass from the universe.)
5. What is a field? Is it comprised of particles, waves, what?

I hope that I don't get run out with this. I'm not an expert, and I'm just startiing, so please don't rip me apart too harshly. Thanks in advance. :)
 
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I suggest you Google (or Bing) these items - read Wikipeida articles.
 


There is far too much for just one thread. As Mathman says, read up on each topic separately. When you have a single (closed) question about a single topic, submit it here and you may get some useful answers.
PF is not a potted Physics Course.
 

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