The first thing we observe about the concepts of matter and void is that there is assumed to be a sharp discontinuity at the interface between them. Since objectivity follows the law of continuity, we expect matter not to stop abruptly, but to thin out gradually, until there is complete absence of matter and all substance (void). We, therefore, need to examine the interface between matter and void more closely.
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Matter
We use a more general term “substance” for matter because, matter appears substantial to us to the degree it impacts our senses. Matter is a phenomenon that we sense through our five physical senses. Then we use the sixth mental sense to combine the input from those physical senses to arrive at deeper understanding. This has led us to the discovery of the atomic nature of matter.
Matter has a lessening impact from solids to gases. That means matter thins out as its state changes from solids to gases. This phenomenon is explained in terms of the atoms of matter moving farther apart lessening its density or concentration. This then requires that we take a closer look at the atom to see where it ends, and the void begins.
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Atoms
In ancient times atoms were visualized to be matter particles that were very small, solid, indivisible and permanent. Newton (1642–1727) theorized that such particles have mass, motion and inertia, and they interact with each other through force. Therefore, a particle, such as, atom could be represented by a mathematical point called center of mass.
The modern atomic theory was born at the beginning of 19th century. Dalton (1766–1844) theorized that atoms of the same element are alike, but atoms of different elements are different; atoms of different elements combine in certain definite ratios. The idea of atoms being hard, solid and impenetrable particles, continued to be held.
However, some scientists disagreed. Boscovich (1711–1787) theorized that atoms cannot be hard, rigid, massive spheres because they cannot change their velocity instantaneously upon collision, as it violated the law of continuity. He visualized atoms as point particles enveloped by force.
Faraday (1791–1867) found that the traditional model of atom as hard, solid and impenetrable particles, led to contradictions in explaining electrical conduction. To Faraday, the Boscovich’s model explained electrical conduction. It also explained “action at a distance” better than the idea of aether. He saw atoms as centers of force from which “tubes of force” extended connecting one atom to another even at infinite distance. He saw “force” as a substance that fills all space to which gravitation extends. To Faraday, atoms appeared to be solid because force was very concentration at their location. Faraday’s arguments were straightforward and persuasive as found here in a letter written by him: “A speculation touching Electric Conduction and the Nature of Matter”.
According to current atomic models, every atom is composed of a nucleus surrounded by electrons. More than 99.94% of an atom’s mass is concentrated in the nucleus. Electrons are considered to be particles that are 1840 times lighter than the nuclear particles.
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Electronic Substance
Physics treats electrons as particles, but in a mathematical sense only. In truth, electrons do not have center of mass, so they cannot be differentiated from each other as real particles. The consideration of electrons as “particles” comes from discrete sub-atomic interactions that electrons participate in.
Even physics considers electrons to have a wave-like nature. It talks about “electron clouds” within the atom that fill over 99% of the atomic volume. This writer finds it more appropriate to consider an atom to consist of “electronic substance” rather than electrons. The nucleus itself extends as electronic substance with no gap in between. This compares more closely to Boscovich’s model that was supported by Faraday. The electronic substance is the same thing as the “force” of Boscovich and Faraday.
Therefore, the only particle within the atom is the nucleus. The nuclear substance is more concentrated form of electronic substance. The standard model of particle physics documents the discrete sub-atomic interactions, and not particles in space.
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Beyond the Atom
So far, we see matter as nuclear substance that thins out as electronic substance. Mathematically, the electrons may extend to any distance from atoms as wave functions. In Faraday’s model, the force (electronic substance) extends out and connects to other atoms regardless of the distance between them. As a result, the electronic substance thins out in space between the atoms.
The space between the atoms is not empty. This is so with all space in general. It is filled with particle-less radiation that consists of light and the cosmic microwave background. This radiation is not wave in some mysterious substance called aether. It is a fast moving, extremely thin substance that has wave-like properties. Please see Faraday’s letter for his excellent arguments on this subject: “Thoughts on Ray Vibrations.”
Physics treats particle-less radiation mathematically, as electromagnetic radiation, and considers it to be made up of discrete quanta. In reality, this radiation is a continuum. The idea of quantum is based on the discovery that the energy of radiation is proportional to its frequency. This discovery showed that radiation could not be a wave because the energy of a wave is proportional to the square of its amplitude. This only confirms the atomic view forwarded by Boscovich and Faraday. The “force” thins out from atom into broad space. In other words, “discrete” matter reduces into a “continuum” of thick electronic substance that thins out as radiation.
But even the apparent discreteness of matter is entirely due to discrete energy interactions with our senses. Similarly, the apparent discreteness of quantum is entirely due to discrete energy interactions with measuring instruments.
In reality, matter, or substance, is a continuum in space.
Where this thinning out of matter ends and void begins may only be speculated.
There is no firm boundary where matter ends, and void begins.
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