About fundamental constants and vacuum

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of building two parameters with the same dimension and order of magnitude as two fundamental constants from five other parameters. It also presents two equations involving these parameters, and mentions the vacuum permittivity, elementary charge, Boltzmann constant, cosmic microwave background temperature, critical density, gravitational constant, Hubble constant, speed of light, and Planck constant. The summary concludes by stating that such connections between quantities with arbitrary units are arbitrary and lack meaning.
  • #1
IamNobody
1
0
Does it not raise question to be able to build two parameters with the same dimension and order of magnitude of two fundamental constants from five parameters (other fundamental constants and measured properties)?

$$\sqrt{10\frac{\left(\varepsilon_0 e^{-2}\right)^3\left(k_B T\right)^4}{\rho_c}} \sim 3\times 10^8~m.s^{-1}$$
$$21.7\frac{\sqrt{\rho_c}}{\left(\varepsilon_0 e^{-2}\right)^{5/2}\left(k_B T\right)^2} \sim 6.6\times 10^{-34}~kg.m^2.s^{-1}$$
with
Vacuum permittivity: ##\varepsilon_0\sim 8.854\times 10^{-12}~m^{-3}.kg^{-1}.s^4.A^2##
Elementary charge: ##e\sim 1.602\times 10^{-19}~A.s##
Boltzmann constant: ##k_B\sim 1.381\times 10^{-23}~kg.m^2.s^{-2}.K^{-1}##
Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) temperature: ##T\sim 2.73~K##
Critical density: ##\rho_c=\frac{3H^2}{8\pi G}\sim 9.2\times 10^{-27}~kg.m^{-3}##
where ##G\sim 6.674 \times 10^{-11}~m^3.kg^{-1}.s^{-2}## is the gravitational constant and ##H\sim 70~km.s^{-1}.Mpc^{-1}## is the Hubble constant (actually between ##65## and ##75~km.s^{-1}.Mpc^{-1}## according to the measurements).
Of course, the speed of light is ##c\sim 3\times 10^8~m.s^{-1}## and the Planck constant is ##h\sim 6.626\times 10^{-34}~kg.m^2.s^{-1}##.

Besides, one can see both relations as two dimensionless numbers approximately equal to ##\sqrt{10}## and ##21.7## built from assumed independent parameters.
 
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  • #2
Any connection between quantities which are dependent on arbitrarily defined units is per construction arbitrary, hence numerology which cannot hint to any deeper insights.

Even worse, you can solve any equation system ##f_k(\alpha_1,\ldots) = c_k## with given values ##c_k## and arbitrary parameters ##\alpha_j## where the solutions are any possible arithmetic expressions ##f_i##. Existence of such a solution is trivial, and uniqueness unachievable. This alone indicates the lack of meaning.

I'm afraid we will not debate such kind of conspiracies on PF.
 
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FAQ: About fundamental constants and vacuum

What are fundamental constants?

Fundamental constants are physical quantities that are believed to be unchanging and universal in nature. They play a crucial role in the laws of physics and are used to describe the behavior of matter and energy in the universe.

How are fundamental constants determined?

Fundamental constants are determined through experimental measurements and theoretical calculations. Scientists use sophisticated instruments and techniques to measure these constants and refine their values over time.

What is the significance of fundamental constants?

Fundamental constants are important because they provide a basis for understanding and predicting the behavior of the physical world. They also allow scientists to make precise calculations and develop theories that explain the fundamental laws of nature.

What is the role of fundamental constants in the vacuum?

Fundamental constants play a crucial role in understanding the properties of the vacuum, which is the space between particles in the universe. These constants determine the behavior of particles and fields in the vacuum, and help scientists understand the structure and dynamics of the universe.

Can fundamental constants change over time?

While it is possible for fundamental constants to change over time, there is no evidence to suggest that they do. In fact, many scientists believe that these constants have remained constant since the beginning of the universe. However, further research and advancements in technology may lead to new discoveries about the nature of these constants.

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