Let's talk about varying G

Details Let's talk about varying G Let's talk about varying G

2010-04-12

arxiv.org/abs/1004.2066v1

Int.J.Mod.Phys.D19:2289-2294,2010

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics

6 pages, Gravity Research Foundation essay

Scientific paper

10.1142/S0218271810018396

It is possible that fundamental constants may not be constant at all. There is a generally accepted view that one can only talk about variations of dimensionless quantities, such as the fine structure constant $\alpha_{\rm e}\equiv e^2/4\pi\epsilon_0\hbar c$. However, constraints on the strength of gravity tend to focus on G itself, which is problematic. We stress that G needs to be multiplied by the square of a mass, and hence, for example, one should be constraining $\alpha_{\rm g}\equiv G m_{\rm p}^2/\hbar c$, where $m_{\rm p}$ is the proton mass. Failure to focus on such dimensionless quantities makes it difficult to interpret the physical dependence of constraints on the variation of G in many published studies. A thought experiment involving talking to observers in another universe about the values of physical constants may be useful for distinguishing what is genuinely measurable from what is merely part of our particular system of units.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Let's talk about varying G does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Let's talk about varying G, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Let's talk about varying G will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-280252