Re: [Phys-l] Equations (causal relationship)

[Bernard Cleyet <bernardcleyet@redshift.com>]

This reminds me of linear polarization, of which there are two not one 
in each case.  This is shown by inserting a polarizer at 45 deg. (w/ 
crossed source and detector.)  So a linear polarized EM wave will cause 
two accelerations on a charge.

bc, who suspects newton's laws, applied macroscopically, don't 
completely describe the Physics.

John Denker wrote:

> Michael Edmiston wrote:
>
>  
>
> > What do the equations say about the superposition of three electric 
> > fields.  Do the equations say there are three fields at that point, or 
> > one?
> >    
>
> Before I answer the question, let me point out that the answer
> cannot possibly provide evidence in favor of the notion that
> "forces cause accelerations and not vice versa".
>  -- Electric field at a point is a vector.
>  -- Force is a vector.
>  -- Acceleration is a vector.
>
> The math is the same.  The physical interpretation is the same.
>
> The laws of physics do not give any preference to forces relative to
> accelerations.
>
> ==========
>
> To answer the question:  The equations are silent on the issue.
>
> To be specific, suppose
>    Etot = E1 + E2 + E3
>
> Then there is *no* equation that can tell the difference between Etot
> and (E1 + E2 + E3).  This cuts to the core of what "equals" means.
>
> This is the "substitution property of equality"
>   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Substitution_property_of_equality
>
> This answer has nothing to do with the physics of forces or accelerations.
> This comes from the uttermost foundations of arithmetic.
>
> _______________________________________________
> Forum for Physics Educators
> Phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu
> https://carnot.physics.buffalo.edu/mailman/listinfo/phys-l
>
>
>