Fundamental Nature of Matter and Fields

Summary: Call for a Paradigm Shift

23.1 Current Paradigm

A set of beliefs, dogmas, postulates and axioms, along with concepts and notions derived from particular interpretation of different physical observations, constitute the paradigm of fundamental physics. Under the current paradigm, it is generally believed that a fundamental theory of Physics need not be based on logical foundation and need not contain causal linkages for physical explanation. However, it is a fact that the current paradigm does not provide logical foundations to the mathematical models which are being projected as physical theories. A paradigm shift - a significant change in the paradigm is needed. Salient features of the current paradigm that need to be revised, are as follows:

(a) Empty Space. The void between material particles represents the notion of empty space with the geometrical attribute of volume. There is no distinction between the abstract notion of coordinate space with a specified metric and physical space. No physical properties are believed to be associated with empty space, even though it can get curved.

(b) Spacetime. All physical phenomena are believed to occur in a four dimensional world of spacetime. The dimension of time is treated at par with three spatial dimensions in the spacetime. All dynamic phenomena occurring in space can be represented through the geometrical constructs in a four dimensional spacetime manifold. Physical reality of spacetime continuum implies a belief in four dimensional block view of universe, in which three dimensional physical world is assumed to exist at all points on the time axis. Additionally, the spacetime continuum is believed to get curved under gravitation. The curved space representing gravitational field is also believed to store energy. The notion of curvature of space and spacetime is a keystone in the current paradigm of Relativity.

(c) Relativity

(i.) Space and time measurements are considered relative and not absolute. A particular value of distance and time measurement will appear to be different for different observers in relative uniform motion.

(ii.) The speed of light is believed to be a constant c for all observers in relative uniform motion. The relativity of space and time stems from this postulate of constant c for all observers in relative uniform motion.

(iii.)All reference frames in relative uniform motion are considered equivalent in all respects and none of them can be regarded as preferred or unique or absolute in any sense that could be practically distinguished. Establishment of any fixed, absolute or universal reference frame is considered impossible.

(iv.) All forms of matter and energy are believed to influence the metric of spacetime without any physical mechanism.

(v.) The metric of space is believed to be a physical property of empty or free space.

(vi.) The fabric of spacetime is believed to be so deformable that the metric of curved spacetime can also lead to mathematical singularities which are interpreted as physical Black Holes.

(d) Big Bang Cosmology. The Big Bang Model is a broadly accepted theory for the origin and evolution of our universe. It postulates that the present universe has expanded from an initial spacetime singularity into the vast cosmos we currently inhabit.

(e) Expansion of space in the Expanding Universe. The metric expansion of space is the averaged increase of measured distance between objects in the universe with time. It is an intrinsic expansion – i.e. it is defined by the relative separation of parts of the universe and not by motion "outward" into preexisting space. Metric expansion is a key feature of Big Bang cosmology.

(f) Elementary particles. All elementary particles are believed to be point like and structureless particles that are not composed of smaller particles. The elementary particles are assumed to be endowed with special interaction characteristics. We do not know anything about the shape, size and internal structure of any of the elementary particles.

(g) Existence of Fields. A field in physics represents a physical quantity that could be associated to each point of space-time. A field is believed to contain energy and momentum. The physical existence of fields make the field concept a supporting paradigm of the entire edifice of modern physics. But how does a field physically exist at each point of the space-time? The physical mechanism that could support the existence of a field at each point of space and time, is neither understood nor being explored.

(h) Kinetic and Potential Energy. All particles of matter are assumed to be bestowed with specific amounts of kinetic and potential energies. Whereas the kinetic energy depends upon the motion, the potential energy depends upon the position of the particle. The sum of kinetic and potential energy of all particles within a closed system, remains constant invariant.

(i) Exchange theory of interactions. All particle interactions are believed to be mediated through the exchange of special force mediating particles called bosons. In particular, electromagnetic interaction among charged particles is believed to be mediated through the exchange of virtual photons.

(j) Probability waves. All microscopic particles of matter display a wavelike nature while in motion. The intensity of the wavelet is interpreted as the position probability density for the location of the micro particle. This interpretation implies that probability waves accompany all micro particles in motion.

(k) Uncertainty in the trajectory of micro particles. Consequent to the assumption of probability waves accompanying micro particles in motion, the description of their trajectory parameters becomes probabilistic or uncertain to some extent. This uncertainty in the description of trajectory parameters of micro particles has evolved into a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics.

(l) Weirdness of Nature. It is believed that the inherent weirdness of Nature does not permit us to mentally visualize the shape, size or structure of all micro particles and their associated fields.

23.2 The New Paradigm

(a) Mathematical representations supposed to describe physical reality are not sufficient to enable us to mentally visualize the associated physical phenomenon. Such mathematical representations must be supported by causal linkages, physical explanations and logical foundations, to adequately describe physical reality.

(b) It is not the inherent complexity of Nature that prohibits us from mental visualization of fundamental physical phenomenon, but our ignorance of Nature. Just like computer simulations, if we possess sufficient relevant information about certain physical phenomenon, we must be able to mentally visualize the same.

(c) To understand and comprehend physical phenomenon occurring in physical space or vacuum, we must first attempt to understand the fundamental nature of physical space or vacuum. The physical properties of permittivity, permeability and intrinsic impedance characterize the fundamental nature of empty or free space.

(d) Apart from a working mathematical model, a physical theory must incorporate causal linkages for logical explanation of associated physical phenomena.

(e) The popular notion of ‘curvature of space’ actually implies the ‘deformation of space’. The deformation of space can be properly represented through a displacement vector and a strain tensor associated with each and every point of the space continuum.

(f) An absolute fixed reference frame, such as the International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF) can be co