Infinity

Infinity is a concept in mathematics and physics that refers to a quantity without bound or end. People have developed various ideas about infinity throughout history, including the mathematical concept of infinity. In mathematics, "infinity" is often treated as a number (i.e., it counts or measures things: "an infinite number of terms") but it is not the same sort of number as the real numbers. In number systems incorporating infinitesimals, the reciprocal of an infinitesimal is an infinite number, i.e., a number greater than any real number. Georg Cantor formalized many ideas related to infinity and infinite sets during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Mathematical Infinity

In mathematics, infinity is often used in contexts where it is treated as if it were a number (i.e., it counts or measures things: "an infinite number of terms") but it is not the same sort of number as the real numbers. In number systems incorporating infinitesimals, the reciprocal of an infinitesimal is an infinite number, i.e., a number greater than any real number. Georg Cantor formalized many ideas related to infinity and infinite sets during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Physical Infinity

In physics, approximations of real numbers are used for finite quantities, but there are also several different infinities. For example, the electromagnetic field of a point charge is said to be infinite.

Philosophical Infinity

Infinity is also a subject of much philosophical debate and speculation. The concept of infinity has been used in many different cultural and religious contexts to suggest the idea of eternity or something beyond human comprehension.

See Also

• Mathematics
• Physics
• Philosophy

References

Infinity Resources
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