The Eric Normand Podcast Do forces really exist?
May 10, 2021
Is force a real entity or just an abstract concept? Dive into the intriguing world of Newtonian mechanics and discover how forces are represented in motion through models. The discussion highlights free body diagrams and their role in simplifying our understanding of gravity and magnetism. It also explores the fascinating connection between abstract physics and programming, emphasizing how technology helps simulate and test complex ideas that are challenging to visualize. Get ready for a mind-bending exploration of known forces!
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Force as a Newtonian Abstraction
- The concept of force is an abstraction invented by Newton, not a tangible entity in the real world.
- Forces unify various phenomena like push, gravity, and magnetism into a single model using vectors.
Ignore Force Origins Initially
- When modeling, sum all forces as vectors without worrying about their sources.
- Set aside details of origin once forces are accounted for in the model.
Inventing Useful Abstractions
- Some abstractions, like force, lack a concrete existence but are vital for models to function.
- We must accept invented ideas that serve the model even if they can't be physically pointed to.
