Theories based on the kinetic energy of particles exist in all modern science and engineering. The question is, “Why?” Is it because of the limited understanding of matter as a wave, a particle or a wave function? Or is it because of the mysteries of the atomic and molecular structure of matter?
Many scientists are puzzled by the seeming incongruity between the kinetic energy of particles and the total energy of space-time. For over 150 years, various attempts to resolve this issue have yielded limited results. One particular theory postulates that space-time is actually made up of several tiny waves. These waves interact with each other through what is called the strong force. It is postulated that if these waves act alone, without interaction, then there would be no net movement in space-time.
Another theory postulates that, because particles have a definite momentum, energy will always be conserved. In this theory, kinetic energy is defined as the energy which a body loses while being turned by its momentum. This theory also states that the number of times a body loses kinetic energy, as measured by time, is equal to the total number of times it was spun in a centrifuge. Therefore, if one looks at a spinning top, it would seem that the top is slowing down and losing kinetic energy at a constant rate. This leads some scientists to conclude that the spin is a complex phenomenon caused by non-gravitating particles.
Though both of these competing theories offer viable explanations for the creation of the universe, others have less acceptance. One school of thought maintains that the existence of a universal law is simply coincidence. They feel that the presence of gravity cannot be explained as being proportional to the kinetic energy of a particle. They therefore assert that the concept of the conservation of kinetic energy is completely illogical.
However, those who agree with this argument state that the universe contains an internal energy that is necessary for its existence. They further assert that a number of different particles exhibit a wide range of attractive features that are inconsistent with the existence of a universal law. This includes the spiraling motion of celestial objects, such as the planets. The discrepancies are attributed to the differences in the energy levels of these objects.
The other competing theory regarding the source of kinetic energy is the law of conservation of energy. The basic idea of this law is that energy cannot be destroyed or changed and it only changes form. According to this law, kinetic energy is identical with energy measured at rest. Since energy cannot be changed, this contradicting theory can only be explained by the existence of some kind of force acting on the particles.
Some of these theories propose that the distribution of matter on the surface of the earth exhibits a natural process. The forces that act between the particles of matter are thought to be constant. In order to account for the presence of various forms of energy, various theories have been postulated. One of the most accepted theories involves the use of Planck’s Constant as a constant, although others have used the cosmological vacuum as the driving force behind the repulsion and attraction of celestial objects.
The question as to whether or not the theories of kinetic energy are real or just theories has yet to be answered. There is no evidence that any of the theories described above are actually true, but some scientists have launched a new research that may provide the answers. In the meantime, the idea of kinetic energy as a natural law is accepted by nearly all scientists.