Is the Proton-to-Electron Mass Ratio Really Changing?

In summary, a recent article in Nature has reported indications of a possible change in the proton-to-electron mass ratio, as seen in comparisons of hydrogen gas spectra in a lab and from distant quasars. This raises questions about the constancy of this fundamental constant and further verification is needed to establish its validity. It is important to note that changes in dimensionless constants, such as the fine structure constant, hold more significance than changes in dimensionful quantities like the speed of light or gravitational constant. This topic warrants further investigation and consideration.
  • #1
simon009988
51
0
There was a recent article in nature on how there was "INDICATIONS OF A CHANGE IN THE PROTON-TO-ELECTRON MASS RATIO have shown up in comparisons of the spectra of hydrogen gas as recorded in a lab with spectra of light coming from hydrogen clouds at the distance of quasars. "


I was just wondering how ture people think this is.
Could this constant really be changing?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Better with a reference : http://Newton.ex.ac.uk/aip/physnews.774.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #3
As with the purported claim of the changing fine structure constant with time, these things need to be verified independently using a different method to be convincing.

Zz.
 
  • #4
and, to repeat from older threads, it is these dimensionless "constants" that count. if [itex]m_e/m_p[/itex] changes or if [itex]\alpha[/itex] changes, that means something. claims made about a changing [itex]c[/itex] or [itex]G[/itex] are meaningless. we can only measure these quantities against like dimensioned standards (like a carpenter measuring length with a tape-measure) and we measure or ultiimately sense only dimensionless quanitities. if something has noticeably changed, it was a ratio of like dimensioned quantities and to blame that change on any single dimesionful component (like blaming it on [itex]m_p[/itex]) is misleading.

so at least the OP is inquiring about a meaningful issues.
 
Last edited:

What is the proton electron mass ratio?

The proton electron mass ratio, denoted as mp/me, is the ratio of the mass of a proton (mp) to the mass of an electron (me). It is approximately equal to 1836, meaning that a proton is about 1836 times more massive than an electron.

Why is the proton electron mass ratio important?

The proton electron mass ratio is important because it provides a fundamental understanding of the structure and properties of matter. It also plays a crucial role in determining the stability and behavior of atoms, as well as in various fields of physics such as nuclear physics and cosmology.

How is the proton electron mass ratio measured?

The proton electron mass ratio can be measured using a variety of experimental techniques, such as mass spectrometry and precision spectroscopy. These methods involve comparing the masses of protons and electrons using sophisticated instruments and mathematical calculations.

Has the proton electron mass ratio always been the same?

According to current scientific understanding, the proton electron mass ratio has remained constant since the early stages of the universe. However, some theoretical frameworks, such as string theory, suggest that it may have varied in the past.

What is the significance of the proton electron mass ratio in astrophysics?

The proton electron mass ratio is crucial in astrophysics because it helps us understand the formation and evolution of stars and galaxies. It is also used in cosmological models to explain the large-scale structure and dynamics of the universe.

Similar threads

I Experiment finds gluon mass in the proton (?)
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
12
Views
2K
How do we know the mass of an electron?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
28
Views
2K
The time for a proton to reach a certain velocity
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
Why Does the Proton-Electron Mass Ratio Diverge from Direct Division?
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
6
Views
5K
I Questions on stars and planets: ratio of planet radius to star, distance between the two, temperature of a star and a planet, planet rotation speed
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
12
Views
1K
I Does the New Muon g-2 Measurement Indicate Physics Beyond the Standard Model?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
2
Views
1K
Does light cause electrons to constantly change state?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
16
Views
2K
I Proton / electron mass ratio equation
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
8
Views
3K
Wikipedia.org -- Protons captured by neutral gas atoms?
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
1
Views
948
Electron speed and acceleration in an electric field
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
9
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top