A new theoretical model providing deeper insight into the fundamental constants
ORAL
Abstract
A critical shortcoming within theoretical physics is our inability to understand how the fundamental constants acquire their specific quantitative values. Theories proposing the existence of alternate universes that have fundamental constants with different quantitative values still do not address the original problem. How do the fundamental constants acquire their altered quantitative values in alternate universes? Are we to just accept that the quantitative values of the fundamental constants are by chance or is there a deep-seated reason as to why fundamental constants have their specific values?
Why is this knowledge important? The reason becomes apparent when attempting to answer this basic question: What is the speed of light?
The only honest answer is - the speed of light is 299,792,458 m/s.
Other answers include: (1) The speed that a photon (massless particle) must move at. (2) The maximum speed limit of the universe. However, these are not answers. If we understood the mechanism by which the speed of light settles on its specific quantitative value, then it could be possible to explain why a photon must move at c, why c is the maximum speed limit in the universe, and the most important question when considering the theory of relativity… How does the speed of light remain the same in all inertial reference frames? To just say the speed of light is a property of spacetime with no physical mechanism as to why is no better than my mother saying, “Because I said so!”
To answer, what is the speed of light, we cannot use current theories because they already incorporated the constants into their mathematics. This means that our usual methods of investigation cannot be employed. The goal of this paper is to present a more “out of the box” approach by creating a new model revealing what these fundamental constants represent at a more deep-seated level.
The mystery surrounding our physical constants may be the root cause of why our attempts to advance theoretical physics beyond its current impasse have been unsuccessful. The model presented provides a new understanding of what the fundamental constants represent, along with novel concepts that may alter the foundation of physics while leaving its most verified theories completely intact.
Why is this knowledge important? The reason becomes apparent when attempting to answer this basic question: What is the speed of light?
The only honest answer is - the speed of light is 299,792,458 m/s.
Other answers include: (1) The speed that a photon (massless particle) must move at. (2) The maximum speed limit of the universe. However, these are not answers. If we understood the mechanism by which the speed of light settles on its specific quantitative value, then it could be possible to explain why a photon must move at c, why c is the maximum speed limit in the universe, and the most important question when considering the theory of relativity… How does the speed of light remain the same in all inertial reference frames? To just say the speed of light is a property of spacetime with no physical mechanism as to why is no better than my mother saying, “Because I said so!”
To answer, what is the speed of light, we cannot use current theories because they already incorporated the constants into their mathematics. This means that our usual methods of investigation cannot be employed. The goal of this paper is to present a more “out of the box” approach by creating a new model revealing what these fundamental constants represent at a more deep-seated level.
The mystery surrounding our physical constants may be the root cause of why our attempts to advance theoretical physics beyond its current impasse have been unsuccessful. The model presented provides a new understanding of what the fundamental constants represent, along with novel concepts that may alter the foundation of physics while leaving its most verified theories completely intact.
–
Presenters
-
Scott S Gordon
University of Central Florida
Authors
-
Scott S Gordon
University of Central Florida