Particles in our universe undetectable by us

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

Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the concept of hypothetical particles existing in the same universe as us but being completely undetectable and non-interacting with our known particles and forces. The scope includes philosophical implications as well as theoretical considerations regarding the nature of these particles and their potential existence.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that particles could exist with their own fundamental forces that do not interact with our particles, raising questions about the nature of collisions and interactions.
  • Another participant argues that if these particles are truly undetectable and do not interact with our universe, their existence cannot be proven, suggesting a philosophical rather than a physical inquiry.
  • A third participant notes that the idea of such particles could imply the existence of a parallel universe, drawing a comparison to how different fundamental constants might define separate realities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of undetectable particles, with some framing the discussion in philosophical terms while others consider the theoretical aspects of parallel universes. No consensus is reached on the nature or existence of these particles.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in proving the existence of undetectable particles and the dependence on definitions of interaction and existence. The philosophical implications are acknowledged but remain unresolved.

ufarad
Messages
15
Reaction score
0
Is there any reason that there could not be particles in the same universe as us that had their own fundamental forces of strong nuclear, electroweak, and gravity equivalent to those we know and love but which did not affect our particles nor ours theirs all around us (i.e., totally undetectable by us but nevertheless right there in front of us)? At first, I was thinking that on the one hand since most of an atom is empty space, if two particles didn't exert any force on each other, the likelihood of collision would probably be very low, but then I thought to myself, what IS a collision if two particles don't even recognize each other's mass or fundamental forces at all?
 
Space news on Phys.org
If they are totally undetectable by us, and don't interact with our universe in any way, then there is no way to prove whether they even exist or not, and it becomes a question of philosophy and not one of physics.
 
My friend, that is why I posted this thought in the philosophy section.
 
Particles like that would... basically be the makings of another universe, much as a different weight for the proton would be. Different, but equivalent forces that have no interaction with our universe would be a decent definition of a parallel universe occupying the same space.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 75 ·
3
Replies
75
Views
5K
  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
6K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K