For the first time, an equation has emerged that connects the large-scale cosmos and the small quantum world.
Physicists have for the first time created a mathematical structure that proves Einstein’s general theory of relativity is consistent with quantum physics. Published in Astroparticle physicsThis new theory has the potential to challenge long-standing assumptions in physics and transform our understanding of the universe.
Einstein’s general theory of relativity explains how gravity works. It is said that massive objects bend the fabric of space and time around them. And the more massive an object is, the more its gravitational influence is felt. In fact, the theory of relativity describes how the universe works on a large scale.
Quantum physics is the study of the behavior of the smallest fundamental particles that make up the universe. In particular, quantum physics studies how particles can exist in multiple states or locations simultaneously before scientists measure them. This strange behavior only occurs with particles, not with large objects.
To fully describe the entire nature of the universe, it is necessary to combine Einstein’s general theory of relativity and quantum physics. But these two theories describe the universe differently, and therefore it has not yet been possible to create a so-called theory of everything.
Attempts to reconcile the two theories have produced conflicting results, making it difficult to combine them into a single framework that would describe both the large-scale cosmos and the small quantum world.
For example, general relativity and quantum physics do not work together when it comes to describing black holes. Einstein’s theory says that the core of a black hole is infinitely dense, while quantum physics suggests that such infinities cannot exist.
The leading theories in physics must be unified so that the universe can be described at all scales simultaneously. This is important because many objects or phenomena, such as black holes or the Big Bang, are likely the result of circumstances in which both quantum physics and general relativity played a role. Without unifying the two theories, it is impossible to fully understand the fundamental basis of quantum gravity, for example.
To reconcile the two incompatible theories, physicists created a mathematical framework that they said redefined the mass and charge of fundamental particles called leptons in terms of interactions between the energy of the field and the curvature of space- time.
Physicists participation they proved that Einstein’s field equation from general relativity is actually a relativistic quantum mechanical equation.
The study authors note that the equation they made is covariant in space-time and invariant with respect to any Planck scale. Therefore, the constants of the universe can be reduced to just two quantities: the Planck length and the Planck time.
Therefore, the physicists’ theory can explain all physical phenomena at any scale in the universe. Scientists claim their theory could change the understanding of the universe.
