How has e=mc2 affected you?
The formula shows in mathematical precision that matter and energy are ultimately two inextricably related if not identical phenomenon. This means that the usual qualities that we use to distinguish matter from energy such as having physical dimensions, weight, existing independently in space and time and so on are not absolute and ultimately changeable.
How would you compare the four “forces”?
I think of the four forces gravity seems to be the most mysterious and acts least like a force per se. It seems that the other three forces, namely electromagnetism, weak nuclear force, and strong nuclear force can be converted amongst each other but not gravity. Gravity also cannot be altered like the other three forces. Its a function between mass and distance and there is nothing we can do to change it as long as we keep the two variables constant. Please see Nothing But Motion Chapter 5 Gravitation by Dewey B. Larson for more clarification on this point.
What is the function of gravity?
The basic function of gravity is to attract any object. According to the general theory of relativity gravity is due to the curvature of space-time. Currently physicists are trying to make more sense of gravity through uniting quantum mechanics with the general theory of relativity. Their ultimate goal is to come up with a theory of everything that combines gravity with the other three forces. Dewey Larson has come up with one of such theories as early as 1950s. His idea is that the whole universe is really not static but moving and spreading out at the speed of light. Gravity is really objects, due to their inward motion, that spread out slower than the speed of light. So relative to everything else these objects seem to attract each other but in reality they are just not moving as fast. Please see works by Dewey B. Larson for more information on this point. They can be downloaded from the internet for free : )
"Matter and energy inextricably relate if not identical phenomenon." Clear and concise, This leave me thinking about yin and yang. A phenomenon of Qi an " inextricably related if not identical phenomenon. Again I find mankind describing the universe in parallel through a different constructed of language and culture.
ReplyDeleteI like the way you think Arthur. I agree with how you described gravity's function, but I took a different look at it. In size gravity is definitely the weakest force, but I thought of its weakness as its greatest attribute. Because it is weak, gravity is malleable in the sense that it can easily stimulate an interaction with the other forces. I'm also open to the possibility that I don't fully understand all the nuts and bolts of gravity.
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