If you’ve ever pondered the mysteries of the universe, you’ve likely encountered the topic of “constants.” These are specific values in physics that can’t be derived from theory alone; they must be measured through experiments. Common examples include the speed of light and Planck’s constant, both of which are foundational to understanding the cosmos.
Martin Rees, a renowned cosmologist from the University of Cambridge, explains that about 30 constants define the universe’s characteristics, such as gravity and particle masses. Yet, he emphasizes that we still rely on measurement to understand these values rather than theoretical predictions.
Recent research suggests we might only need one fundamental constant: time. This idea stems from a conversation among physicists at CERN in 1992, evolving into a discussion documented in three papers published in 2002. The three physicists involved—Michael J. Duff, Lev B. Okun, and Gabriele Veneziano—had differing opinions on how many constants are essential for describing the universe. Okun argued for three (length, mass, and time), while Veneziano proposed just two (length and time). Duff suggested that the number varies depending on the theoretical framework used.
George Matsas, lead author of a recent paper, highlights the challenge in determining the minimum number of standards required for measurement. The team studied two forms of spacetime: Galilean, which Isaac Newton described, and Minkowski, which aligns with Einstein’s relativity.
In Galilean spacetime, space and time are viewed separately. Time is constant, and distances don’t change. In contrast, Minkowski spacetime shows that space and time are interconnected, allowing you to measure physical quantities using only time.
Matsas states, “In relativistic spacetime, clocks alone can suffice for measurements.” This connects to the work of Canadian physicist Bill Unruh, who demonstrated that you could derive length from time measurements, thanks to the relativity concept.
The takeaway? The study suggests you can measure all physical quantities through just one constant: seconds. This unit is defined precisely as the duration of 9,192,631,770 oscillations of a specific cesium atom’s radiation.
While this theory is fascinating, it doesn’t mean other constants will become obsolete. They are still practical for various calculations. Daniel Vanzella from the University of São Paulo points out the historical context of how mass was defined, rooted in standards established during the French Revolution.
In summary, the research shines a light on the elegant simplicity underlying the universe’s measurement systems. It reiterates the importance of time in understanding our world, while also reminding us that other constants have their roles too. This new perspective could reshape how we think about fundamental physics and measurement.
For more details on this study, check it out in Nature Scientific Reports.
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