What is matter and energy
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Understanding Matter and Energy
The Evolution of Concepts: Matter and Energy
The concepts of matter and energy have evolved significantly over time. Historically, matter was defined by its mass or inertia, as per Newtonian physics. However, with the advent of Einstein's theories, it became clear that energy also possesses mass, leading to a more integrated understanding of these two entities1. This shift in perspective has led some scholars to propose that the term "matter" should now encompass what is traditionally called energy, distinguishing between corporeal and incorporeal states when necessary1.
Matter and Energy in Classical and Modern Physics
In classical Aristotelian-Scholastic metaphysics, prime matter was considered a fundamental substance. Recent discussions have explored whether this prime matter could be equated with energy, given their roles in substantial change and scientific applications. However, the answer remains complex and not definitively resolved2. Modern physics, on the other hand, views energy as an attribute of matter and electromagnetic radiation, observable only through its effects on matter4.
Physical Relationships Among Matter, Energy, and Information
Matter, energy, and information are often considered fundamental categories in general systems theory. The relationships between matter and energy are well-understood through scientific laws, whereas the role of information is less clear. At a basic level, "difference" is suggested as a more elementary term than "information"3.
Dynamics and Interactions: Matter and Energy
The dynamics of matter and energy can be analogized through classical equations. For instance, energy transfer in solids can be described using concepts like effective mass and momentum, similar to how we describe matter dynamics. This approach introduces new concepts such as "carrier" and "phantom," where a carrier enables energy transfer, and a phantom is a virtual body of matter with mass distribution equivalent to energy distribution7.
Energy and States of Matter
Energy plays a crucial role in determining the states of matter. The structure of elements at atomic and nuclear levels is influenced by internal forces and energy. These forces include gravitational, electrostatic, electromagnetic, and nuclear forces, each associated with the ability to do work. Energy can be stored, released, transformed, and transferred in various forms, such as thermal, electrical, and electromagnetic energy10.
Matter and Energy: Physical or Metaphysical?
Despite their foundational roles in science and technology, there is still no consensus on the definitions of matter and energy. These concepts have been central to materialist worldviews since ancient times, yet their precise nature remains a topic of debate5. Some argue that matter and energy are extreme abstractions that oversimplify the complex relational characteristics of phenomena9.
Conclusion
The concepts of matter and energy are deeply intertwined and have evolved significantly from classical to modern physics. While matter traditionally referred to substances with mass, modern physics recognizes that energy also possesses mass, leading to a more integrated understanding. The relationships among matter, energy, and information are fundamental yet complex, and ongoing discussions continue to refine our understanding of these essential concepts.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Energy and Matter
The term matter should now include both energy and mass, as modern physics is giving rise to dialectic materialism.
Is Prime Matter Energy?
The paper tests the hypothesis that prime matter in classical Aristotelian-Scholastic metaphysics is numerically identical to energy, examining both support and opposition.
Physical relationships among matter, energy and information
Matter, energy, and information are fundamental categories, with matter and energy relations more thoroughly understood than information relations.
What Is Energy?
Energy is a fundamental concept in physical science, but difficult to define as it is not a separate "thing" but rather an attribute of matter and electromagnetic radiation that manifests in various ways and can be observed and measured indirectly through its effects on matter.
Matter and Energy: Physical or Metaphysical Concepts?
All the sciences and technologies of reality deal with concrete or material things endowed with energy, and the materialist worldview emerged in Greece and India two and a half millennia ago, and flourished in the French Enlightenment. And yet, there is still no consensus about the definitions of the general concepts of matter and energy. Let us deal with both of them, starting with the second.
Energy to Matter
Energy to Matter (E2M) proposes a logically consistent, intuitive theory of matter, challenging the status quo and providing a detailed explanation for various phenomena.
PreprintDynamics of matter and energy
This study adapts classical equations of matter dynamics to describe energy transfer, introducing the concept of "carrier" and "phantom," which can act as virtual bodies of matter and can behave as either a wave or a particle depending on the ratio of transfer and dispersion velocities.
THE MATTER OF ENERGY
Energy is defined as the capacity to do work, and matter acquires energy when influenced by fields, such as the gravitational field.
Matter and Energy do not Represent Reality
Matter and energy are abstractions, not intrinsic characteristics of discrete bits of matter in physical experience.
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