Recent content by Gary Smith

On a particle level, does all motion create disturbance, therefore waves, in the medium through which it moves?

I am not trying to convince anyone of anything. I have been doing my own experiments to objectify ideas. I came to PF to find ways to validate or invalidate the ideas within the context of scientific method. My only chum in this is a stone. We may prove it in the end after all. Or not. I think...

Dave, I appreciate that you are all willing to help me with learning real science. This morning, I was going to delete some of my earlier comments, as they are straying too far from the PF mission. I am just wondering, how does anything become 'real science'? And in its history, which I do not...

All I meant by dominated is that my dad was a university professor. His academic choices and scientific mind influenced my family life growing up. We never fully understood each other, but our mutual love and respect was enough. I just made other choices in life. sophiecentaur, if you have...

I grew up in a household dominated by academic and scientific thinking. I understand structured learning. It sounds like being force-fed another person's ideas. Even if it is peer reviewed and meets the highest standards of science, it is from an incomplete perspective. Not for me, thank you.

Thank you. I probably have to look in another direction to find my answers.

Thank you.

Peter, Thank you for taking time to respond. Exactly. I am constrained by having had three threads closed and receiving warnings against speculation and philosophy. Where I am headed is described in my PF profile, but I don't expect you to read it. I appreciate honesty and don't take it as...

Thank you.

I have no background in QM and have read no science textbooks since 8th grade in 1967. I am not a learner by reading. What you wrote is helpful, it gives me some picture. I did not mean a chemical bond between waves. What I am trying to understand is if waves can in some way combine to create a...

Two atoms of oxygen bond into a diatomic molecule. Is there similar bonding between EM waves? Like, instead of one guitar string plucked, a chord.

sophiecentaur, I really appreciate your input. Yes, I would say that with a lifetime of experience -- of observing and measuring what works and what doesn't for me -- I am in a position of saying what works better -- more effectively, efficiently and productively. I am quite happy with the...

Also, if you get the gist of what I am asking, I would greatly appreciate correction of my vocabulary.

From that article, 'So one could say that all the three terms are synonyma. Physicists would almost always pick "quantum mechanics" as the preferred label for any theory that follows the postulates of quantum mechanics or for the postulates themselves. On the other hand, "quantum physics" and...

I understand your idea of 'structured learning' but in my case it works far better to ask specific questions. Briefly, I am 64 and though semi-retired have daily responsibilities and a lifestyle which make prolonged periods of reading next to impossible. Also, I have little interest in physics...