What does it mean when we say something exists in physics?

In summary, In physics, something is considered to exist if it has a measurable or observable presence in the physical world, and scientists determine existence through experimentation and observation. There can be a difference between something existing in theory and existing in reality in physics, and in order for something to be considered to exist in physics, it must be observable or have a measurable effect. This differs from other fields, such as philosophy, where the concept of existence can include non-physical entities.
  • #1
Shing Ernst
27
1
I am getting more and more confused when people say or ask if something exists? (Say force, virtual particles, or even spin)

Such as, "is wavefunction real?" "Are virtual particles real?" "Are force real?"

Are those types of questions usually ill-defined or not well-posed? Or they are just asking "How we measure them directly/indirectly?"

Sorry for being philosophical on a science website, but it is driving me crazy.
 
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  • #2
As you note, your questions are more philosophical than science-oriented. We don't discuss philosophy at this site.

Thread closed.
 

Related to What does it mean when we say something exists in physics?

1. What does it mean for something to "exist" in physics?

In physics, we consider something to "exist" if it has a measurable or observable presence in the physical world. This means that it can be detected or interacted with in some way, whether through direct observation or through the effects it has on other objects.

2. How do scientists determine if something exists in physics?

Scientists determine if something exists in physics through experimentation and observation. They design experiments to test the existence of a particular phenomenon or entity and gather data to support their findings. This data is then analyzed and compared to existing theories to determine if the existence of the object or phenomenon is supported.

3. Is there a difference between something existing in theory and existing in reality in physics?

Yes, there can be a difference between something existing in theory and existing in reality in physics. Theories are models or explanations that attempt to describe how the physical world works, but they may not always accurately reflect the reality of the physical world. Therefore, something may be said to exist in theory, but may not necessarily be confirmed to exist in reality through scientific evidence.

4. Can something exist in physics without being observable?

In general, no. In order for something to be considered to exist in physics, it must have a measurable or observable presence in the physical world. However, there are some concepts in physics, such as dark matter and black holes, that are currently not directly observable but are inferred to exist based on their effects on other objects.

5. How does the concept of existence in physics differ from other fields?

The concept of existence in physics is often more narrowly defined compared to other fields. In philosophy, for example, the concept of existence can include abstract or non-physical entities. However, in physics, existence is typically limited to physical objects or phenomena that can be observed or measured.

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