Mathematical Physics
[Submitted on 6 Sep 2016 (v1), last revised 1 Feb 2020 (this version, v4)]
Title:Struggles with the Continuum
View PDFAbstract:Our assumption that spacetime is a continuum leads to many challenges in mathematical physics. Singularities, divergent integrals and the like threaten many of our favorite theories, from Newtonian gravity to classical electrodynamics, quantum electrodynamics and the Standard Model. In general relativity, singularities are intimately connected to some of the theory's most dramatic successful predictions. We survey these problems and the large amount of work that has gone into dealing with them.
Submission history
From: John Baez [view email][v1] Tue, 6 Sep 2016 08:03:28 UTC (43 KB)
[v2] Mon, 17 Jul 2017 08:23:00 UTC (43 KB)
[v3] Tue, 2 Jan 2018 23:20:03 UTC (44 KB)
[v4] Sat, 1 Feb 2020 06:58:28 UTC (44 KB)
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