Are our equations for this universe valid in all universes?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter cosmicalset
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Universe
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the validity of our physical equations in the context of a multiverse. Participants explore whether the principles and constants that govern our universe would hold true in other hypothetical universes, considering various multiverse hypotheses and the implications of differing physical constants.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether our equations are universally valid across different universes, suggesting that variations in fundamental constants like electron mass or the fine structure constant could lead to different physical laws.
  • Others propose that each universe might possess its own unique mathematical or physical structure, given the infinite nature of the multiverse.
  • A participant highlights the challenge of proving the existence or characteristics of other universes, using a hypothetical example of fantastical creatures to illustrate the difficulty of verification.
  • Concerns are raised about how variations in basic physical properties, such as the fine structure constant or gravitational constant, could drastically alter the nature of any universe, potentially leading to inhospitable conditions for life.
  • There is a mention of the stability of physical constants in our universe, with implications that a universe with variable constants would face significant challenges.
  • Some participants note the lack of evidence for other universes, which complicates the discussion of their properties and existence.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of our physical equations in other universes, with no consensus reached. Some argue for the possibility of different laws in other universes, while others emphasize the stability of constants in our universe.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of the multiverse and the implications of varying physical constants, which remain unresolved. The challenge of observing other universes is also a significant factor in the conversation.

cosmicalset
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
If we live in a multiverse, are our equations about this universe valid in all universes?
 
Space news on Phys.org
You marked this thread as level "A". What proposed multiverse hypotheses in the literature are you familiar with?
 
cosmicalset said:
If we live in a multiverse, are our equations about this universe valid in all universes?
I am not an expert on this but I think It will not be the valid. For example think electrons mass or protons, or fine structure constant. If these values were different then our physics rules would be different.

Another approach is to think that every universe can have its own mathematical structure (or physical). Since there are infinite universes why wouldn't it be different ?

https://arxiv.org/abs/1008.3907
 
Since hypothetical "other universes" outside of our universe are not observable, if I said they were full of green pixies riding pink unicorns, how could you prove me wrong?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: davenn
phyzguy said:
Since hypothetical "other universes" outside of our universe are not observable, if I said they were full of green pixies riding pink unicorns, how could you prove me wrong?
That's possible in our universe.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Comeback City
There are some basic physical properties that, if varied, could significantly afftect the nature of any universe. For example, a change in the fine structure constant could really foul things up. Varying the gravitational constant would also be horribly disruptive affectng things like the mass, luminosity, llife expectancy and fate of stars to name a few. Fortunately, physical constants in this universe appear to be well behaved and stable. Life in a universe with variable physical constantss would likely face huge challemges and poor long term prospect. To date we have no evidence of 'other' universes - which would be difficult to explain assuming our present universe is infintie. A universe that is not infinite would also pose serious explanatory difficulties.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Arman777

Similar threads

Graduate Questions: Gott-Li Can a Universe Create Itself?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
High School Conflict between the conservation of matter and the rapid expansion of our universe
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
High School Discussion on the source or cause of Dark Energy Dark Matter et al
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Undergrad If white holes were to exist in our Universe
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
5K
Undergrad The Boundary of the Observable Universe
  • · Replies 44 ·
2
Replies
44
Views
7K
Undergrad Merely a thought of where the universe expands into
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Undergrad What Are the Origins of the Universe?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Undergrad How we are in a matter dominated universe (without antimatter annihilation)
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
High School Size of the early universe as we see now
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
772
High School Big Bang and Infinite Universe
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K