What do pervading and aether mean?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the meanings of the terms "pervading" and "aether" in the context of a quote about Isaac Newton's views on light. Participants explore historical interpretations of aether and its role in the propagation of light, as well as the implications of these concepts in relation to particle and wave theories.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for clarification on the terms "pervading" and "aether" as used in a quote about Newton's perspective on light.
  • Another participant defines "aether" as the substance Newton believed filled the universe and explains "pervading" as meaning "filling" or "is everywhere."
  • A different participant challenges the notion that Newton believed in aether, stating that particles do not require a medium for propagation, while waves do, and attributes the wave theory of light to Christian Huygens.
  • Another participant suggests that the vacuum could be considered a medium.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is disagreement among participants regarding Newton's belief in aether and the necessity of a medium for light propagation. Some participants support the idea of aether, while others contest it based on the distinction between particles and waves.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects differing interpretations of historical scientific views and the definitions of key terms, with unresolved questions about the role of aether in light propagation.

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What do "pervading" and "aether" mean?

What do "pervading" and "aether" mean in: "Isaac Newton considered light to be a beam of particles that set the pervading aether vibrating." ?

I'm not taking a Quantum Mechanics course but I might in the future but either way, I'm interested in learning about it so I bought this book and that's the very first sentence and I already don't get it lol. Could someone please break this down so I can understand it?

Thanks in advance!
 
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The "aether" was simply the substance that Newton believed filled the universe. "Pervading" simply means "filling" or "is everywhere".
 


Thanks!
 


I don't think Newton believed in aether though. Particles do not need a medium to propagate. Waves do. The hypothesis that light was some kind of wave propagating through the "luminiferous aether" (from lumen = light in latin) was put forward by Christian Huygens.
 


Dickfore said:
Waves do.
So I guess you consider the vacuum a medium.
 

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