Proper Physical Quantities: Understanding the Fundamentals

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In summary, a proper physical quantity is a quantity measured in the frame of reference that is at rest with respect to the object. For special relativity, it must be represented by a tensor field on spacetime, while for quantum mechanics, it must be represented by a Hermitian operator on the Hilbert space of states. It is also possible for a combination of proper physical quantities to be considered a proper physical quantity, such as the electric field measured in the rest frame of the charges that generate it.
  • #1
bernhard.rothenstein
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how would you define a proper physical quantity?


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Under which model of reality? QM? SR? Something else?

For SR, I'd say it must at least be represented by a tensor field of some rank on spacetime.

For QM, I'd say it'd have to be represented by a Hermitian operator defined on the Hilbert space of states of the system under consideration.
 
  • #3
masudr said:
Under which model of reality? QM? SR? Something else?

For SR, I'd say it must at least be represented by a tensor field of some rank on spacetime.

For QM, I'd say it'd have to be represented by a Hermitian operator defined on the Hilbert space of states of the system under consideration.
special relativity, for beginers!
 
  • #4
bernhard.rothenstein said:
special relativity, for beginers!
A proper physical quantity of an object is the quantity (distance, time, mass) measured in the frame of reference that is at rest with respect to the object.

AM
 
  • #5
proper pjhysical quantity

Andrew Mason said:
A proper physical quantity of an object is the quantity (distance, time, mass) measured in the frame of reference that is at rest with respect to the object.

AM
Thanks. Is the combination of proper physical quantities a proper physical quantity as well (e.g. the electric field measured in the rest frame of the charges that generates it).
 

FAQ: Proper Physical Quantities: Understanding the Fundamentals

What is a proper physical quantity?

A proper physical quantity is a measurable attribute of a physical system, such as length, mass, time, temperature, or electric charge. It is a fundamental concept in physics and is used to describe and quantify the behavior and properties of matter and energy.

How is a proper physical quantity different from a derived physical quantity?

A proper physical quantity is a fundamental, basic quantity that cannot be broken down into simpler components. On the other hand, a derived physical quantity is a combination of one or more proper physical quantities. For example, velocity is a derived physical quantity that is calculated by dividing distance by time.

What are the units used to measure proper physical quantities?

The units used to measure proper physical quantities depend on the quantity being measured. For example, length is typically measured in meters (m), mass in kilograms (kg), time in seconds (s), temperature in Kelvin (K), and electric charge in coulombs (C). There are also other units that can be used, depending on the specific quantity and the system of measurement being used.

How are proper physical quantities related to the laws of physics?

The laws of physics govern the behavior of proper physical quantities. These laws, such as Newton's laws of motion or the laws of thermodynamics, describe how proper physical quantities interact with each other and how they change over time. By understanding these laws, scientists can make predictions and explain the behavior of physical systems.

What is the importance of using proper physical quantities in scientific measurements?

Using proper physical quantities in scientific measurements allows for consistency and accuracy in data collection and analysis. By using standardized units to measure quantities, scientists can ensure that their results can be replicated and compared with other studies. Additionally, proper physical quantities provide a universal language for communicating and understanding scientific concepts across different fields of study.

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