What Are the Fundamental Numbers Essential for the Universe's Existence?

[The Lorax]

Hi everyone,

I just watched an interesting talk from string theorist Brian Greene and he said something that really captured my curiosity. He mentioned that in the universe there is a list of about 20 incredibly important numbers that we have measured extensively. He then says that if those numbers had any other values then what they do there would be a huge chance the universe wouldn't exist at all.

So my question was, and I am sorry if this is the wrong forum, what are these numbers?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Nabeshin]

He was probably referring to the parameters in the standard model of particle physics.

See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_Model

 

[sir-pinski]

The most important numbers referred to by Brian Greene are known as the fundamental physical constants. These are numerical values that describe the fundamental properties of our universe, such as the speed of light, the strength of gravity, and the mass of particles. These constants are crucial in understanding and predicting the behavior of matter and energy in our universe.

Some examples of these important numbers include:

1) The speed of light (c): This is the maximum speed at which all matter and information can travel in our universe. It is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second.

2) Planck's constant (h): This constant relates the energy of a photon to its frequency and is essential in understanding quantum mechanics.

3) The gravitational constant (G): This number determines the strength of the gravitational force between objects and plays a crucial role in the formation of planets, stars, and galaxies.

4) The mass of the electron (m_e): This is the mass of one of the fundamental particles that make up matter and is a key component in understanding the structure and properties of atoms.

These are just a few examples of the fundamental physical constants that are essential for our universe to exist as we know it. Any slight variation in these numbers could result in a vastly different universe, making them truly the most important numbers in existence.