MadSci Network: Physics
Query:

Re: Is it true that movement is matter?

Date: Wed May 3 13:51:57 2000
Posted By: Dr. Paul M. Rutherford, Secondary School Teacher, Physics & Technology, Summit Technology Academy
Area of science: Physics
ID: 957225706.Ph
Message:

Dear Christopher and curious teacher,

It is difficult to answer this question as it would help to know the contect in which it was posed. Nonetheless, I will try. Movement (as in I assume you mean "motion") can be brought about in a variety of ways. One is by direct contact. Another, is force-at-a-distance through electromagnetic means (magnetism and/or electrical fields). In any event, there is a interaction of particles that exert forces upon each other, again either what you might see as direct contact or electromagnetic forces. So, if what you mean as "matter", then yes, matter is interacting when there is motion.

Yet, if I may Christopher, there is really no such thing as direct contact, if you look at the atomic level. What we perceive to be "contact" is really the result of the forces that oppose one another. For example, electrons push away electrons and protons push away protons., while protons and electrons attract each other. So though two pieces of paper appear to be "in contact" they really are not as these forces keep them "apart".

If I may suggest Christopher, that you do some research into the four basic forces in nature. This may paint a clearer picture on the nature of motion and forces in their bare essence.

Hope this helps,

Dr. Rutherford


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