Physics is sometimes closer to philosophy when it comes to understanding the universe. Donald Chang from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, China, attempts to elucidate whether the universe has a resting frame. The results have recently been published in EPJ Plus.
To answer this tricky question, he has developed an experiment to precisely evaluate particle mass. This is designed to test the special theory of relativity that assumes the absence of a rest frame, otherwise it would be possible to determine which inertial frame is stationary and which frame is moving. This assumption, however, appears to diverge from the standard model of cosmology, which assumes that what we see as a vacuum is not an empty space. The assumption is that the energy of our universe comes from the quantum fluctuation in the vacuum.
In a famous experiment conducted by Michelson and Morley in the late 19th century, the propagation of light was proved to be independent of the movement of the laboratory system. Einstein, his Special Theory of Relativity, inferred that the physical laws governing the propagation of light are equivalent in all inertial frames—this was later extended to all physics laws not just optics.
In this study, the author set out to precisely measure the masses of two charged particles moving in opposite directions. The conventional thinking assumes that the inertial frame applies equally to both particles. If that's the case, no detectable mass difference between these two particles is likely to arise. However, if the contrary is true, and there is a rest frame in the universe, the author expects to see mass difference that is dependent on the orientation of the laboratory frame.
This proposed experiment partially inspired by the Michelson and Morley experiments can be conducted using existing experimental techniques. For simplicity, an electron can be used as the charged particle in the experiment.
Explore further:
Special relativity from first principles
More information:
Donald C. Chang, Is there a resting frame in the universe? A proposed experimental test based on a precise measurement of particle mass, The European Physical Journal Plus (2017). DOI: 10.1140/epjp/i2017-11402-4
JIMBO
3 / 5 (2) Mar 21, 2017Da Schneib
5 / 5 (1) Mar 21, 2017This looks like negative information: that which, when you understand it, reduces your understanding.
PhysicsMatter
5 / 5 (1) Mar 21, 2017Speed of light is constant but time/space is a subject to dilatation.
However, there are widely ignored alternatives; one below asserts a preferred frame of reference and variable speed of light.
Implications of an Absolute Simultaneity
Theory for Cosmology and Universe
Acceleration
Edward T. Kipreos*
University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, United States of America
Published at PLOS;
What is interesting that this obscure theory based on Absolute Lorentz Transformation (ALT), can explain recently discovered rapid acceleration of the universe expansion without necessity of introducing abstract, unproven so far concepts of dark matter and dark energy.
PhysicsMatter
not rated yet Mar 21, 2017Otherwise, the guy wants to also question the conservation of energy principle as well.
Here is some critique of relativity theory from philosophical point of view:
https://questforn...ativity/
Hyperfuzzy
not rated yet Mar 25, 2017Hyperfuzzy
not rated yet Mar 25, 2017