MadSci Network: Physics
Query:

Re: what is substance in its inherent nature?

Date: Mon Feb 8 10:45:40 2010
Posted By: Samuel Silverstein, Lecturer in physics
Area of science: Physics
ID: 1264254354.Ph
Message:

Hello,

I am not sure I know exactly what you are asking. When you use the term "substance" are you referring to the fundamental building blocks of matter (i.e. elementary particles), or is it tangible, "substantial" matter as we experience it in the everyday world? And what is the "inherent" nature of anything?

From the point of view of a particle physicist, I don't think we know for certain the "inherent" nature of the particles we study. In particle models there are properties like "mass" and "charge" that appear to correspond to measurements we can make; Other properties like "color" or "spin" have no direct correspondence to concepts we are familiar with in our everyday lives. They are simply names to which we attach certain useful properties and rules, in an attempt to formulate an accurate model of particle properties and interactions.

Until we (perhaps someday) acheive a successful "Theory of everything", our understanding of the universe is an "effective" one, with deeper truths still remaining to be learned. Perhaps what we think are "inherent" properties of the particles are not truly fundamental, but are derived from other properties yet unknown to us.

This has probably been a long-winded way to say "I don't know", but I hope it was useful to you.


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