Matter with different constants

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter hammertime
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Constants Matter
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of varying physical constants in a hypothetical multiverse scenario, particularly focusing on the behavior of matter transitioning between universes with different constants. Participants explore the nature of matter, space, and the concept of a multiverse.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that if physical constants vary across universes, matter from one universe might disintegrate or behave strangely when entering another universe through a wormhole.
  • One participant suggests that space and matter are emergent from the same fundamental constituents, implying that properties of matter are intrinsic to the volume of space and cannot be carried across different domains with varying constants.
  • There are mentions of exotic inflation scenarios involving "domain walls" that could separate regions with different physical laws, which could pose lethal threats if they interact with our universe.
  • Concerns are raised about the lack of scientific justification for the existence of a multiverse, with some participants questioning the validity of the concept and its implications.
  • Questions are posed regarding the probability of another universe having the same constants and laws as our own, with some participants arguing that without justification for the existence of another universe, the question of probability is meaningless.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the existence of a multiverse and the implications of varying constants. There is no consensus on the justification for the multiverse concept, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the nature of matter and space in this context.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the speculative nature of the multiverse concept and the absence of scientific evidence supporting the existence of domains with different physical laws or constants.

hammertime
Messages
133
Reaction score
0
If the physical constants vary from universe to universe in a multiverse, then if matter from this universe were to somehow go into another universe, say through a wormhole, what would happen to it? Would it disintegrate, or somehow behave strangely? What if the
cosmological constant varied in the other universe?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I suspect that space and matter arise from the same fundamental constituents----that is, geomety and matter are emergent, and have the same underlying dynamics and degrees of freedom.

in that case the properties of matter are intrinsic in any volume of space-----the constants you mention are built into space itself.

in that case matter cannot carry its properties or constants with it and travel thru a tunnel to some domain with different matter. the bridge would have to be made of space, and whose constants would the space have?

In some exotic inflation scenarios there are "domain walls" dividing domains with different physics (different constants, laws perhaps) which travel at the speed of light and which are LETHAL. If a domain wall passes thru your galaxy, you've had it. AFAIK such exotic inflation scenarios do not have much justification and are mostly just piquant fantasy.
======================

The above is just my own take on it, you asked a speculative question. but the basic problem is that no one so far has offered any scientific justification for assuming that a "multiverse" exists. That is, there is no scientific reason to think that the universe consists of domains with different laws or different physical constants.

People toy with the idea if it appeals to their imaginations. But do you know any justification for it? If so, please tell us!
 
Last edited:
marcus said:
in that case matter cannot carry its properties or constants with it and travel thru a tunnel to some domain with different matter. the bridge would have to be made of space, and whose constants would the space have?

Then what is the probability that another universe has the same constants and laws as ours?
 
hammertime said:
Then what is the probability that another universe has the same constants and laws as ours?

I see no justification for assuming that a different universe exists, therefore the question of probability doesn't mean anything to me.

Do you understand what I am saying? If there is no other universe then what probability are you asking about?
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Gravitational self-interaction: another attempt to replace Dark Matter
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Graduate Exploring the Troubles with Dark Matter and the Quest for a Theory of Everything
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
Undergrad Questioning the timescape model
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
2K
Undergrad Nested universes across scales - existing literature?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Some questions about Coleman's Baby Universe model
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
High School What is the physical significance of mass-time-length equivalences in physics?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Undergrad What multiverse model is this author referring to?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Undergrad Age of the Universe and the Cosmological Constant
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
Graduate Would Wheeler's oscillatory universe model create different laws?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Graduate Can Cosmic Inflation and String Theory change fundamental laws?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K