Understanding Physical Processes: EM, Gravitational, Mechanical & Entropic

In summary, the conversation discusses the application of various theories, such as electromagnetic, gravitational, mechanical, and entropic processes, to physical phenomena. It is questioned whether all physical processes can be described by these theories, and it is concluded that there are certain phenomena that cannot be explained by electromagnetic forces, gravitational forces, or mechanical laws. It is also suggested that entropy covers the entirety of physical processes and that information theory has a close relationship with entropy. However, it is noted that information theory may include more than just physical things, while entropy specifically focuses on the link between information, matter, and energy. It is also mentioned that there may be cases where physical entities no longer have any interaction with one another that can be described by these theories.
  • #1
Hallucinogen
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Hi, I'm putting together some resources about theories and would like some help to make sure I don't make a mistake.

In particular, I'd like to know if each of the electromagnetic, gravitational, mechanical and entropic processes applies to every physical process.

So, for example, due to an event horizon, I understand that electromagnetic radiation cannot escape the interior of a black hole (hence I'm not referring to Hawking radiation), so therefore is it true not that all physical phenomena/bodies are interacting electromagnetically? The EM forces cannot take the matter inside the black hole and interact it with matter outside it, so there's a set of phenomena that can't be electromagnetic. If so, this would entail that not everything that is physical is electromagnetic, is that right?

I also have the same question about gravitaitonal forces and mechanical forces. Regarding gravitation: is it right that any two things that have energy/mass exert a gravitational force of some size on each other, so is there no entity in physics unaffected by gravitaitonal force? I read that very distant galaxies might not be encompassed by the same gravitaitonal field, is that right?

And for mechanics. I can't think of an example of any physical object or interaction or process that isn't governed by some mechanical description or law. If that's right, does it mean everything that is physical is mechanical, and vice versa? Ie. they are sets with the same elements?

This also seems true of entropy. Any physical process between physical entities appears to be considerable as an entropic process, so it seems to me that entropy covers the whole set of physical processes, is this right? Every known interaction in physics can be expressed in terms of entropic laws, correct?

While this is also true of information theory, information arguably includes more than physical things. There appears to be a close relationship between information theory and entropy, but the subject of entropy appears to specifically be the informational consideration of physical phenomena, ie. it seeks to understand the link between information, matter and energy. Is entropy circumscribed as such?

Many thanks for any help.
 
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  • #2
Or, for example, two galaxies that have exited each other's light cones and are accelerating away from one another faster than the speed of light due to cosmic expansion no longer have any interaction with one another that can be expressed in terms of EM or gravitation. Is that right?
 

Related to Understanding Physical Processes: EM, Gravitational, Mechanical & Entropic

What are electromagnetic (EM) processes and how do they affect matter?

Electromagnetic (EM) processes involve the interaction between electric and magnetic fields and matter. These processes include phenomena such as the propagation of light, radio waves, X-rays, and other forms of electromagnetic radiation. EM processes affect matter by inducing electric currents, heating substances, and causing chemical reactions, among other effects. For instance, sunlight (a form of EM radiation) can cause photosynthesis in plants, while X-rays can penetrate tissues for medical imaging.

How does gravitational force influence physical processes?

Gravitational force is a fundamental force that attracts two masses towards each other. It influences physical processes by determining the motion of celestial bodies, maintaining the structure of galaxies, and affecting tides on Earth. On a smaller scale, gravity is responsible for the formation of planets and stars by pulling matter together. Gravitational force also affects the trajectory of objects and plays a crucial role in phenomena such as free fall and orbital motion.

What is mechanical energy and how is it conserved in physical systems?

Mechanical energy is the sum of kinetic energy (energy of motion) and potential energy (stored energy due to position) in a system. It is conserved in isolated systems, meaning that the total mechanical energy remains constant if no external forces act on the system. This principle of conservation of mechanical energy allows us to predict the behavior of physical systems, such as the motion of a pendulum or the energy transfer in collisions. In real-world scenarios, some mechanical energy may be converted to other forms, like heat, due to non-conservative forces like friction.

What role does entropy play in physical processes?

Entropy is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system. In physical processes, entropy tends to increase, leading to the second law of thermodynamics, which states that the total entropy of an isolated system can never decrease over time. This principle explains why certain processes are irreversible, such as the mixing of gases or the melting of ice. Entropy also plays a critical role in determining the direction of energy transfer and the efficiency of engines and refrigerators.

How do these physical processes interact in real-world applications?

In real-world applications, electromagnetic, gravitational, mechanical, and entropic processes often interact in complex ways. For example, in a power plant, mechanical energy from turbines is converted into electrical energy through electromagnetic induction. Gravitational potential energy of water in a dam is converted into mechanical energy as it flows down, driving the turbines. Entropy considerations are crucial in designing efficient systems to minimize energy losses. Understanding these interactions allows scientists and engineers to develop technologies ranging from renewable energy systems to advanced communication devices.

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