Constants of Nature (and SM Parameters)

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on the nature and calculation of fundamental constants, questioning whether they can be derived from first principles or if they must remain experimental values. Participants explore the implications of a Unified Theory in addressing these constants, particularly in relation to String Theory and Loop Quantum Gravity. There is skepticism about the reliability of current methods that attempt to relate constants through dimensionless analysis, with concerns about the high uncertainties involved. The conversation also touches on the concept of information storage for these constants, challenging the idea of their uniformity across vast distances in the universe. Overall, the thread highlights the ongoing debate in physics regarding the foundational understanding of constants and their derivations.
  • #31
You might want to consider the Saha ionization equation and statistical mechanics more generally. Roughly, if an atom's environment's temperature is colder than the atom's ionization energy, the atom's electrons will stay in place. That will happen no matter how low its ionization temperature is. All that's necessary is an even lower environment temperature.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad A novel explanation of CKM and PMNS matrix parameters
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Graduate Shahar Hod's bound on the fine-structure constant
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Undergrad Strings 2025 Conference: Insights, Criticisms, and Key Highlights
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
7K
Undergrad Why are free parameters bad for a theory?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Graduate "The 7 Strangest Coincidences in the Laws of Nature" (S. Hossenfelder)
  • · Replies 62 ·
3
Replies
62
Views
11K
Graduate Does Peter Woit's solution of Higgs' naturalness problem work?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad Is there new LHC data on coupling constant running?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Graduate Can Cosmic Inflation and String Theory change fundamental laws?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Are there currently any proposals for a complete physics?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Graduate Reviving Kaluza-Klein: SM Bosons & Fermions
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K