Fundamental constants and equations

In summary, the number of independent fundamental physical constants and equations is not precisely known, but there are several common examples that are not derived from other constants or equations.
  • #1
teve
19
0
How many independent fundamental physics constants are there that are not expressed in terms of other constants? What are they? I assume they would include the speed of light, c, and ε0, but μ0 can be left out, the gravitational constant, Plank's constant, fundamental particle masses and charges. Is there a clearly identified list?

How many fundamental physics equations are there that can't be derived from other equations or are not special cases of other equations? Is that something that can be clearly identified?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The number of independent fundamental physical constants is not precisely known. Generally, these constants are related to the four fundamental forces of nature: gravity, electromagnetism, weak nuclear force, and strong nuclear force. Examples of fundamental constants that are not expressed in terms of other constants include the speed of light, c, the gravitational constant, G, Planck's constant, h, the electron charge, e, the elementary particle masses, and the fine-structure constant, α. There is not a clearly identified list of these constants, but these are some of the most common ones. As for fundamental physics equations, there are numerous equations that cannot be derived from other equations or are not special cases of other equations. Some examples include Maxwell's equations, the Schrödinger equation, the Dirac equation, Einstein's field equations, and the Standard Model equations. Again, there is not a clearly identified list of these equations, but these are some of the most common ones.
 

1. What are fundamental constants?

Fundamental constants are physical quantities that are believed to be fixed and unchanging throughout the universe. They are often used in equations to describe the fundamental laws of nature.

2. What is the significance of fundamental constants?

Fundamental constants help scientists understand and predict the behavior of physical systems. They also provide a basis for comparison and measurement in different branches of science.

3. How are fundamental constants determined?

Fundamental constants are determined through experiments and observations. Scientists use various methods and technologies to measure and analyze the values of these constants.

4. Can fundamental constants change over time?

There is currently no evidence to suggest that fundamental constants can change over time. However, some theories suggest that they may have had different values in the early universe.

5. Are there any units associated with fundamental constants?

Some fundamental constants, such as the speed of light, have units associated with them. However, other constants, such as the fine structure constant, are dimensionless and do not have any units.

Similar threads

Replies
8
Views
383
Replies
50
Views
5K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
25
Views
3K
Replies
38
Views
2K
  • Classical Physics
Replies
18
Views
1K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
4
Views
4K
Back
Top