Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the significance of the product of Planck's Constant and the speed of light (hc) in physics. Participants explore its implications in various contexts, including its appearance in formulas related to the fine structure constant and black body radiation, as well as its dimensional properties.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants note that hc has physical dimensions of energy multiplied by length and relate it to de Broglie wavelength and Compton wavelength formulas.
- Others question the significance of dimensionful constants in physics, suggesting they may only serve to adjust units.
- One participant highlights that hc relates photon energy to wavelength, providing the formula E = hc/λ.
- There is a discussion about the hypothetical implications of changing the speed of light, with some arguing that it would fundamentally alter classical physics, while others assert that changing dimensionful constants would merely redefine units.
- Participants clarify terminology, with one correcting the term "super relativity" to "special relativity" and another suggesting "ultra-relativistic" for cases where velocity approaches the speed of light.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the significance of hc and dimensionful constants, with no consensus reached on their implications or meanings in physics.
Contextual Notes
Some discussions involve hypothetical scenarios that may not be directly applicable to current physical theories, and there are unresolved questions regarding the impact of changing fundamental constants.
Other than adjusting units of course.