What Happens If We Change Just One Physical Constant?

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SUMMARY

This discussion explores the implications of altering fundamental physical constants, specifically the gravitational constant and the speed of light. Changing the gravitational constant to 4.4663 x 10^-19 or the speed of light to 45,643,111 meters per second would significantly impact the electromagnetic force and potentially alter other constants. The conversation highlights Sommerfeld's Fine Structure Constant (7.29735257×10^-3) as a critical constant, suggesting that its alteration could lead to catastrophic consequences, effectively "destroying a universe." The inquiry also touches on the concept of varying constants in alternate universes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fundamental physical constants such as the gravitational constant, Planck constant, and speed of light.
  • Basic knowledge of electromagnetic force and its relationship with physical constants.
  • Familiarity with the concept of alternate universes in theoretical physics.
  • Awareness of the implications of changing constants in physics, particularly in cosmology.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of changing the gravitational constant in theoretical physics.
  • Study the effects of varying the speed of light on electromagnetic interactions.
  • Explore Sommerfeld's Fine Structure Constant and its role in quantum mechanics.
  • Investigate theories regarding physical constants in alternate universes and their potential variations.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physicists, cosmologists, and students of theoretical physics interested in the stability of physical laws and the consequences of altering fundamental constants.

Lamdbaenergy
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So, I know that there are already three absolutely mandatory physical constants, like the gravitational constant, the Planck constant, and the speed of light. But what if you only changed the value of one constant? For example, if you changed the value of the gravitational constant to 4.4663 x 10^ -19, would other constants change too, or would they stay the same? In another case, you end up changing the light constant from 299,792,458 meters per second to only 45,643,111 meters per second. I'm pretty sure that would inevitably mean a drastic change in the strength of the electromagnetic force, but would it also lead to a change in pretty much all other constants, also?

One last thing, which constant would be the worst to change? Like, "destroy a universe" kind of worst?
 
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Sommerfield's Fine Structure Constant 7.29735257×10−3
 
if the value could change, it wouldn't be a constant any more, aye
 
davenn said:
if the value could change, it wouldn't be a constant any more, aye

Alright, but what about values in other universes?
 

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