| | :: You're absolutely right. Newtonian gravity is a theory which implies instant transmission of gravity, and Maxwell's equations set a speed limit. However, both theories constitute "action at a distance," and both constitute "field theories." The term "field theory" is used for theories like Newtonian gravity, Maxwell's electromagnetism, or quantum field theory BECAUSE they describe action at a distance - in opposition to theories like quantum chromodynamics, or general relativity as it is currently incorporated into the standard model, which describe forces as being carried by particles - photons, gravitons, etc. [[User:JacobB|JacobB]] 21:29, 15 November 2009 (EST) | | :: You're absolutely right. Newtonian gravity is a theory which implies instant transmission of gravity, and Maxwell's equations set a speed limit. However, both theories constitute "action at a distance," and both constitute "field theories." The term "field theory" is used for theories like Newtonian gravity, Maxwell's electromagnetism, or quantum field theory BECAUSE they describe action at a distance - in opposition to theories like quantum chromodynamics, or general relativity as it is currently incorporated into the standard model, which describe forces as being carried by particles - photons, gravitons, etc. [[User:JacobB|JacobB]] 21:29, 15 November 2009 (EST) |
| | + | :::"Field theory" used to mean what you say, but I think today it connotes a "field" that takes time to travel ... as in "quantum field theory." I don't think a distinction is made between particles or waves; the key distinction is between instantaneous action versus action at the speed of light.--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] 21:43, 15 November 2009 (EST) |