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[Phys-L] Re: Electric Field

I think it is hard for a science class to really address the issue of what is real. All we
know for sure is what is measureable. All else - electric field, energy, you name it - is a
useful model that may or may not exist physically. What is important is that it exists in our
heads and that it produces correct predictions about measureable quantities. Fundamentally,
that's the best we can ask for. And if thinking of it as if it were real quantity helps make the mental
concept more concrete - especially for concrete-thinking teenagers - is that such a bad thing?

Nicholas

-----Original Message-----
From: Forum for Physics Educators [mailto:PHYS-L@list1.ucc.nau.edu]On
Behalf Of Rick Tarara
Sent: Thursday, February 09, 2006 7:47 AM
To: PHYS-L@LISTS.NAU.EDU
Subject: Re: [PHYS-L] Electric Field


I think it is hard not to reify these concepts--especially energy. As the
temperature around here is heading towards single digits on the Fahrenheit
scale I know I am buying natural gas because of its ability to increase the
random motion of the molecules in the air in my house. However, it's sure
easier to say I'm buying energy from the gas company and I'm burning the gas
for the energy it will release. It becomes very awkward to NOT talk about
energy as something real. [After an initial disclaimer in my 21st Century
Energy class, I don't even try.]

For field lines it may not be quite as hard, until you do something like the
iron filings demo with magnets--or one of the fancier demos with electric
fields. The 'lines' get drawn for you. Hard not to give them some level of
reality.

Rick

----- Original Message -----
From: "Spagna Jr., George" <gspagna@RMC.EDU>

Part of the challenge with finding ways to draw the field lines is that
the lines do not exist! We have heard myriad warnings not to reify
concepts like energy ... let's not reify "lines of force" either.

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