[Phys-L] What IS a field? (Was Re: Physics (chem.) Humor)

[Rodney Dunning <rdunning@BSC.EDU>]

Bernard Cleyet wrote:

> Is space empty when it contains fields.  How is matter different from
> its fields?

The more I learn about fields the more confused I am about them.  Do the
particles create the fields or do the fields create the particles?  Does
that question even make sense?  What IS a field?

I do tell my students that an electric field (for example) is a real
thing, just as real as the charged particle that creates it.  But
thankfully, no one has asked me to elaborate on "create."

--
Rodney Dunning
Assistant Professor of Physics
Birmingham-Southern College

> bc
>
> cliff parker wrote:
>
>
> > When we discuss gravity each year many of my High School students are
> > fascinated to learn that gravitational fields are surrounding everything
> > with mass not just planets, stars and such.  When I finally get them to
> > understand and buy into the idea that all massive things produce
> > gravitational fields and that gravitational fields tend to increase with
> > mass I ask them if they wouldn't all agree that I am by far the most
> > attractive person in the room.  My 240 pounds usually qualifies me for this
> > honor.  That brings down the house.  About two years ago I had  a student
> > reply "Mr. Parker, the dumpsters out behind the building were more
> > attractive than you!"
> >
> > Another story...  I was explaining that all matter is mostly empty space.
> > As part of that discussion I walked over to the wall and bumped into it
> > asking why I did not pass right on through the wall if the wall and I were
> > both mostly nothing.  One student shouted for the back of the room, "Why
> > don't you try running faster!"
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