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Fields & Energy

Fields & Energy β€’ 459 implied HN points β€’ 29 Oct 23
πŸ”¬ Science Physics Electromagnetism Quantum Mechanics Philosophy History
  1. The author is working on a book called 'Fields & Energy' that explores electromagnetism and quantum mechanics. He plans to share sections of the book weekly over about two years.
  2. The book argues that electromagnetism involves two different phenomena: fields and energy, which could help explain various puzzles in physics. It also ties these concepts to historical and philosophical insights.
  3. The author aims to make the book accessible to both professionals and non-specialists, blending technical details with general concepts to engage a wider audience.

1.0 On Generation & Corruption

Fields & Energy β€’ 459 implied HN points β€’ 25 Oct 23
πŸ”¬ Science Physics Mathematics Technology Philosophy History
  1. In physics, our understanding has greatly improved over time, but some concepts can still feel confusing or counterintuitive. We often have to rely on complex math that works well, even if it doesn't make total sense at first.
  2. Michael Faraday challenged the common ideas of his time by introducing the concept of 'fields' instead of just focusing on point particles. This helped explain how forces work in a way that made more sense to him.
  3. Today, we still face similar questions about our understanding of reality in physics. As we develop new mathematical tools, we should ask if we need to rethink our basic ideas about how things work, just like Faraday did.

Reading List for Chapter 1: On Generation and Corruption

Fields & Energy β€’ 359 implied HN points β€’ 07 Dec 23
🚌 Education Literature Science Mathematics Physics Philosophy
  1. Reading is important for understanding complex topics like calculus and physics. Books like 'Calculus Made Easy' can help beginners grasp the basics more easily.
  2. Narratives and storytelling are essential in both fiction and non-fiction writing. They shape how we understand and connect with concepts.
  3. Scientific revolutions often depend on the context of ideas rather than just rational evidence. This means new theories can take time to be accepted.

2.6.2 Newton's Legacy

Fields & Energy β€’ 219 implied HN points β€’ 07 Feb 24
πŸ”¬ Science Physics History Mathematics Philosophy Methods
  1. Newton's laws of motion were groundbreaking but took time to be fully understood and accepted. People did not immediately grasp his ideas about forces and motion.
  2. Many later scientists built on Newton's work, refining and developing his theories. Newton laid the groundwork, but others were key in shaping what we now know as classical physics.
  3. Newton's scientific approach set a high standard for future research. His methods are still considered a model for how scientific investigations should be conducted.

Emerging Stars

Compounding Quality β€’ 216 implied HN points β€’ 08 Feb 24
πŸ”¬ Science Physics Mathematics
  1. Isaac Newton is famous for his Laws of Motion in physics and mathematics.
  2. Newton's Laws of Motion are fundamental to classical mechanics and still widely used today.
  3. This post about Newton's Laws of Motion is for paid subscribers.
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Author's Introduction

Fields & Energy β€’ 439 implied HN points β€’ 30 Sep 23
πŸ”¬ Science Physics Engineering Education Technology History
  1. Physicists and engineers often focus on different aspects of understanding reality. Physicists typically ask 'why' things happen, while engineers ask 'how' to make things work.
  2. Electromagnetism is a key part of our everyday experience, but training in this field has become disconnected between physics theory and practical applications. There's a need for better communication and education between physicists and engineers.
  3. New ideas in science can often be met with skepticism or rejection. It's important to question established norms and be open to fresh perspectives, even if they challenge widely accepted beliefs.

Philosophic Premises of Quantum Mechanics – Part I

Fields & Energy β€’ 359 implied HN points β€’ 12 Nov 23
πŸ”¬ Science Physics Quantum Mechanics Philosophy History Theory
  1. Quantum mechanics is often misunderstood, with some believing it challenges objective reality. However, the issues stem from outdated philosophies rather than quantum theory itself.
  2. During the Weimar period in Germany, there was a strong cultural push against reason and causality. This opposition influenced the development of quantum mechanics during that time.
  3. Many scientists who shaped quantum mechanics were caught between supporting the new ideas and adhering to older principles of causality, leading to mixed interpretations of their findings.

Electrons, Alternate Universes, and the Ontological Commitments of Physics: A Handy Guide to Hossenfelder vs. Goff

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis β€’ 319 implied HN points β€’ 03 Dec 23
πŸ“– Philosophy Physics Ontology Debate Twitter Ethics
  1. Philosopher Philip Goff and physicist Sabine Hossenfelder concluded their Twitter debate on electrons and alternate universes.
  2. The discussion highlights the intersection of philosophy and physics in understanding ontological commitments.
  3. The resolution between Goff and Hossenfelder signifies an end to the Great Electron Twitter War of 2023.

2.4 The Copernican Revolution & the β€œHorror Vacui”

Fields & Energy β€’ 239 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jan 24
πŸ’Ύ History Astronomy Physics Philosophy Mathematics
  1. Nicolaus Copernicus suggested that the Earth orbits the sun, which was a big change from the earlier belief that everything revolves around the Earth. This idea helped set the stage for modern astronomy.
  2. Competing theories like heliocentrism and geocentrism can both be useful in explaining observations. Sometimes even incorrect models are used because they make calculations easier.
  3. Galileo and other scientists built on Copernicus' ideas, leading to a deeper understanding of motion, gravity, and the nature of vacuums. This helped shift thinking from old beliefs to observations and experiments.

A Cult of Lost Technology

α΄‹ΚŸα΄€α΅Ύs β€’ 393 implied HN points β€’ 16 May 23
πŸ”¬ Science Archaeology Physics Space Exploration
  1. Ancient structures like Stonehenge and the pyramids across the world raise questions about lost technology and potential ancient civilizations' advanced knowledge.
  2. Nazi scientists explored antigravity technology based on different physics approaches than the West, leading to speculation on advanced tech development during World War II.
  3. The concept of a cargo cult relates to ancient cultures integrating advanced technologies into their beliefs, like indigenous tribes using airdrops as inspiration for rituals.

Understanding Gravitational-Wave Observatories: A Pillar of Modern Fundamental Science

Space Ambition β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 19 Apr 24
πŸ”¬ Science Astronomy Physics Technology Research Innovation Education
  1. Gravitational-wave observatories like LIGO help us understand the universe better. They can detect tiny ripples in spacetime caused by huge cosmic events like black hole mergers.
  2. Investing in fundamental science is cost-effective and leads to unexpected technological benefits. For example, the innovations developed for LIGO can also help in industries like manufacturing and quantum computing.
  3. Fundamental science projects prepare us for future challenges, much like a university education does. They provide a foundation that helps scientists and engineers create new technologies and solutions down the line.

1.2 A New Understanding

Fields & Energy β€’ 319 implied HN points β€’ 08 Nov 23
πŸ”¬ Science Physics Quantum Electromagnetism
  1. Reality is made up of two separate things: fields and particles. They work together to create the world we see.
  2. Electromagnetism is guided by fields that act like waves, while energy behaves like particles at the quantum level.
  3. This new approach shows that instead of thinking of light as just photons, we should view it as energy guided by fields.

2.6 Isaac Newton

Fields & Energy β€’ 199 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jan 24
πŸ”¬ Science Physics Astronomy Mathematics History Education
  1. Isaac Newton built his laws of motion and gravitation on the earlier work of scientists like Galileo and Kepler. This helped him connect how things move on Earth with how planets move in space.
  2. Newton discovered that gravity acts in a certain way: the force gets weaker as you move further away from an object. He showed this through thinking about how an apple falls and how the moon orbits the Earth.
  3. To explain the gravitational pull of larger bodies, Newton used advanced math concepts, making his ideas more accurate. He proved that the gravity of a round object is the same as if all its mass was concentrated in one point at its center.

2.7 Summary and Conclusions

Fields & Energy β€’ 159 implied HN points β€’ 21 Feb 24
πŸ”¬ Science Physics History Philosophy Methodology Empiricism
  1. Scientists should consider multiple models to explain natural phenomena and not cling to a single theory. Even if an old idea isn't widely accepted anymore, it could still hold value.
  2. Inductive reasoning, based on observations, and deductive reasoning, based on theories, are both vital in scientific discovery. They work together to help us understand the world better.
  3. Our understanding of science evolves over time, with new ideas replacing or revisiting old ones. It's essential to stay open-minded and not assume today's beliefs are the ultimate truth.

2.1 Ancient Ideas of Atomism & Plenism

Fields & Energy β€’ 219 implied HN points β€’ 20 Dec 23
πŸ“– Philosophy Ancient Philosophy Physics Metaphysics
  1. The concept of atomism began in ancient Greece with philosophers like Leucippus and Democritus, who believed everything is made up of tiny, indivisible particles called atoms. They also thought a void exists where these atoms move.
  2. Democritus' ideas influenced later thinkers like Epicurus, who introduced the idea that atoms can swerve randomly, allowing for free will. Lucretius expanded on this by describing how tiny particles move in ways we can't always see.
  3. Aristotle challenged atomism with his idea of plenism, which suggests everything is filled with matter and there is no empty space. He argued that motion is continuous and depends on the presence of matter all around.

The Fusion Energy Landscape

Ulysses β€’ 359 implied HN points β€’ 05 Apr 23
πŸ”¬ Science Energy Physics Technology Research Funding
  1. Fusion energy promises clean, pollution-free energy that can be built anywhere and lasts millions of years without geopolitical disputes over fuel reserves.
  2. Different fusion technologies like magnetic confinement, inertial confinement, and magneto-inertial confinement offer diverse approaches to achieving fusion reactions with varying benefits and challenges.
  3. Developing fusion energy requires extensive funding, traditional engineering solutions, and expertise underscoring a journey to harness limitless energy potential.

1.5 The Paradigm Shift to a New Model

Fields & Energy β€’ 239 implied HN points β€’ 29 Nov 23
πŸ”¬ Science Physics Education Cognition Models Innovation
  1. People often prefer sticking to familiar ideas instead of embracing new ones, which can create mental barriers to understanding change. To overcome this, simplifying complex concepts is important.
  2. Models are tools we use to understand the world around us. Having multiple models allows us to tackle problems from different angles, making us better problem solvers.
  3. Understanding basic principles in science can help anyone grasp more complex ideas without needing extensive knowledge. For example, knowing atoms make up everything can help explain many scientific concepts.

2.2 Early & Medieval Physics

Fields & Energy β€’ 179 implied HN points β€’ 27 Dec 23
πŸ’Ύ History Medieval Science Philosophy Mathematics Physics
  1. The Ptolemaic model explained how planets move in terms of circles and smaller orbits called epicycles. This model was clever, even though it was eventually replaced by simpler ideas in science.
  2. During the Middle Ages, many people thought that science was stuck, but some scholars made important contributions and kept the spirit of experimentation alive, especially figures like Albertus Magnus and Roger Bacon.
  3. The study of more complex shapes, like conic sections, was overlooked for a long time. Eventually, scholars at places like Oxford started to explore motion more deeply and share their findings across Europe.

O-Day - Evening

Remote View β€’ 275 implied HN points β€’ 02 Apr 23
πŸ”¬ Science Physics Geometry Electromagnetism
  1. The O-Day - Evening post discusses the electromagnetic properties of the Great Pyramid.
  2. The post delves into the connections between alchemy, sacred geometry, and the 'Great Work'.
  3. There are references to scientific articles and historical figures within the context of the post.

Fast Biology

Asimov Press β€’ 270 implied HN points β€’ 20 Feb 24
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Physics Mathematics Experimentation
  1. The concept of viewing time differently through the lens of the Minute Man and the Millennium Man prompts questions about our understanding of speed and time in the world.
  2. Biological processes at the cellular level can occur at astonishing speeds, with enzymes performing millions of chemical reactions per second and protein 'motors' spinning thousands of times a minute.
  3. Scientists use innovative experiments to directly observe rapid biological processes, such as watching ATP synthase spin or tracking ribosomes moving along messenger RNA strands, to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate workings of life.

The Sequence Chat: Can AI Solve The Riemann Hypothesis? Some Ideas About the Progress and Limitations of AI in Science

TheSequence β€’ 70 implied HN points β€’ 18 Dec 24
πŸ”¬ Science Mathematics Artificial Intelligence Physics Chemistry Technology
  1. AI has made impressive strides in scientific fields, helping tackle complex problems across various disciplines like chemistry and physics. This progress shows that AI can be a powerful tool in advancing our understanding of science.
  2. The Riemann Hypothesis is a famous unsolved math problem that could significantly enhance our knowledge of prime numbers. Its simplicity in concept and complexity in proof makes it a unique challenge for both humans and AI.
  3. While AI has potential in scientific research, there are limitations to what it can achieve, especially in tackling deeply complex problems like the Riemann Hypothesis. The unique nature of such challenges may be beyond AI's current capabilities.

1.4 What’s the Benefit of This New Model?

Fields & Energy β€’ 199 implied HN points β€’ 22 Nov 23
πŸ”¬ Science Physics Quantum Mechanics Electromagnetism Mathematics
  1. This new model helps us understand how antennas and electromagnetic radiation work better. It shows how waves and fields can create visible effects, like standing waves, which we see in everyday life.
  2. The theory offers answers to old physics puzzles like wave-particle duality. Instead of seeing particles and waves as opposites, they work together as two different things.
  3. It provides solutions to tricky problems in electromagnetism, like radiation reaction and vacuum energy. The model suggests that radiation comes from the applied fields, not just from accelerating charges.

Sabine Hossenfelder promoting fossil fuels over electric vehicles

aukehoekstra β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 23 Apr 24
πŸ”¬ Science Environment Electric Vehicles Climate change Physics Energy
  1. Sabine Hossenfelder, a popular figure known for her physics background, has been criticized for promoting gasoline cars over electric vehicles.
  2. Electric vehicles can help solve grid issues and contribute positively to the energy system by offering flexibility and potential cost savings.
  3. The sales of electric vehicles continue to rise, with advancements in technology making them more environmentally friendly and cost-effective compared to fossil fuel cars.

The NextSeq 2000 Optical System

ASeq Newsletter β€’ 14 implied HN points β€’ 13 Dec 24
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Physics Chemistry Technology Engineering
  1. The NextSeq 2000 utilizes structured illumination to improve imaging quality. This technology allows for clearer images of very small features that were hard to see before.
  2. This updated information aims to reach a broader audience, moving from a previous platform to this one.
  3. The content is exclusive for paid subscribers, highlighting the value in subscribing for more detailed insights.

O-Day - Wormhole

Remote View β€’ 216 implied HN points β€’ 09 Mar 23
πŸ”¬ Science Physics Archaeology Chemistry Astronomy Materials
  1. The presentation shared experimental evidence about the operation of the Great Pyramid of Giza.
  2. Macro photography gave a first look at the sample and detailed study of the disruption zone.
  3. Speculation was made about the use of iron as a possible fuel, along with other metals, in a related process.

O-Day - Explaining Frank Polifka's Windhexe

Remote View β€’ 216 implied HN points β€’ 30 Mar 23
πŸ”¬ Science Technology Physics Engineering Chemistry Biology
  1. A technology called Windhexe can turn various materials into powder, even turning gravel to dust and reducing waste into powder.
  2. The Windhexe device functions by creating a tornado-like vortex in a chamber, causing materials to be smashed and pulverized into tiny particles.
  3. Windhexe technology has been used by different companies for processing food wastes, manufacturing debris, and even for drying materials quickly.

1.3 Wait... That's All There Is To It?

Fields & Energy β€’ 179 implied HN points β€’ 15 Nov 23
πŸ”¬ Science Physics Electromagnetism Quantum Mechanics Astrophysics Chemistry
  1. To understand how fields guide energy, you need to think deeply about concepts like light and electromagnetic waves. This involves understanding how energy balances between electric and magnetic forms.
  2. There's a new way to look at electromagnetism that contradicts a lot of what we've assumed for over a century. This new view can help explain some confusing aspects of quantum mechanics.
  3. Even though electromagnetism seems fully understood, there’s still room for fresh ideas that could change our understanding. Just like a miner finding new gems in a familiar mine, new insights might be waiting to be discovered.

1.6 The Plan & Purpose of this Book

Fields & Energy β€’ 159 implied HN points β€’ 06 Dec 23
πŸ”¬ Science Physics Energy Electromagnetism
  1. The book discusses two big ideas in physics: particles versus waves and two different ways of understanding nature. This involves looking at how scientists have debated these ideas over time.
  2. It introduces a new way of thinking about electromagnetism, saying that fields and energy are separate but related. Fields behave like waves, while energy can act like particles.
  3. Finally, the book explores how this fresh perspective can change our view of quantum mechanics, suggesting that light and energy might interact in ways we don't typically understand.

Are Stars Conscious?

Secretum Secretorum β€’ 707 implied HN points β€’ 16 Feb 23
πŸ”¬ Science Astrobiology Metaphysics Cosmology Physics Evolution
  1. Some scientists challenge the traditional definition of life, suggesting that stars exhibit life-like behaviors such as metabolism and reproduction.
  2. There are radical theories proposing that stars possess consciousness and engage in purposeful actions, influencing life on Earth.
  3. The concept of cosmological natural selection suggests that black holes may play a role in giving rise to new universes, embodying evolutionary principles at a cosmic scale.

Astronomy and space exploration are shaping our civilization landscape

Space Ambition β€’ 219 implied HN points β€’ 21 Jul 23
πŸ”¬ Science Astronomy Technology Physics Exploration Research
  1. Space exploration has greatly influenced our technology and daily lives. From GPS navigation to weather monitoring, many devices we use today were developed because of our quests in space.
  2. Astronomy helped ancient civilizations in navigation and timekeeping. By studying stars, early navigators found their way, and calendars were created to track important agricultural and religious events.
  3. The study of dark matter and other cosmic phenomena might lead to groundbreaking discoveries in the future. These studies could bring about new technologies and a better understanding of our universe.

Foundations of Physical Theory: Function of Models

Fields & Energy β€’ 3 HN points β€’ 02 Sep 24
πŸ”¬ Science Physics Mathematics Models Theory Electricity Magnetism
  1. Models in physics help us understand complex ideas by simplifying them into more relatable forms. They allow us to reason about things we can't observe directly.
  2. It's important to consider the medium through which forces act, rather than just thinking of actions at a distance. This helps explain phenomena like electricity and magnetism more clearly.
  3. Using analogies can be helpful in learning new concepts, but we must be careful not to confuse them with the actual properties of the things we are studying.

Why is it so hard to build a quantum computer?

More is Different β€’ 3 implied HN points β€’ 18 Jan 25
πŸ•Ή Technology Quantum Computing Engineering Physics Computer Science Startups
  1. Building a quantum computer is very tricky because qubits are sensitive to their environment. If they interact with other things, they can lose their special state, making it hard to perform calculations.
  2. There are different types of quantum computers like trapped ion, superconducting, and photonic, each with its own challenges and advantages. For example, superconducting qubits need to be kept super cold, while photonic qubits work at room temperature but have their own difficulties in control.
  3. Current technology has big hurdles to overcome for scaling quantum computers up to the millions of qubits needed for practical use. Many experts think we might not easily reach such high numbers due to these challenges.

The Trouble with Fusion

Gordian Knot News β€’ 183 implied HN points β€’ 18 Feb 24
πŸ”¬ Science Fusion Energy Technology Engineering Physics
  1. Fusion faces difficult technical challenges like damage to the first wall, intense heat transfer, and high maintenance due to activation of materials.
  2. Achieving economic viability in fusion is a major hurdle, with immense parasitic loads and a fusion gain ratio that can be a significant challenge to achieve.
  3. Standard fusion processes like using deuterium and tritium result in energy losses due to the need for high quality energy input, which makes fusion less self-sustaining than fission.