Re: [Phys-l] force +- momentum flow

[JMGreen <jmgreen@sisna.com>]

At 09:25 AM 5/12/2006, you wrote:
> Jim,
> Do you believe that only corporeal objects can flow?
> ______________________
> Joel Rauber
> Department of Physics - SDSU

Oh my, I am on the brink of unleashing another unending discussion on 
the meaning of a word.

If I say that the object is blue, would you understand if I were to 
say that the blue (a property of the object) does not flow.  Blue 
paint can flow but blue does not. It is a property of the object.

Momentum and energy are properties of a system.  Their levels can be 
changed, but they can not move independently of the system,

I would hold that using such language as a shortcut to the 
understanding of physics is counter productive.  It often leads to a 
convoluted discussion
of the system.

Using such language in the _teaching_ of physics would be abominable.

Jim