Some current unanswered questions in Physics

[Dinu Popa]

Introduction:

This article is not meant to be critical of the Theoretical Physics Establishment or the current state of knowledge in Physics. Rather, it tries to identify specific areas where more study and experimentation are necessary.

Orbital (electron) energy levels:

Atoms have their electrons orbiting around the nucleus on specific orbits with which specific energy levels are associated. This arrangement of particles inside an atom is explained by the quantum theory. The study of this arrangement raises a question that has not been answered: "How is it possible for the electrons orbiting the nucleus to maintain their orbits?" They are loosing energy moving accelerated in an electric field so as they loose energy, they have to regain it to maintain their specific orbit. Where is that energy coming from? How is said energy transferred to the electrons?

Interactions at a distance and the concept of field:

Although usually defined in a circular definition (the definition contains the word "field") a field has properties such as mass and momentum associated with objects. What is it made of? What is the mechanism of interactions propagating at a distance through said field?


Dark matter:

The universe is expanding when it shouldn't. Is there extra mass out there we cannot detect (dark matter) or is there an external force acting upon the universe and stretching it?


The Casimir effect:

Did the Casimir effect prove the existence of zero-point energy? Or can it be explained without explicitly referring to the vacuum field?


Did the speed of light always had the same value?

Various theories propose the speed of light changed and/or changes with time. If true this would change cosmology.


Cold fusion:

Is there more to cold fusion than interesting laboratory experiments? Can we use it industrially to produce cheap(er) energy?


Anti-gravity:

Today, anti-gravity neighbors with the warp drive and the flux capacitor on the science fiction shelf. Will it stay there forever?

The theory of relativity?

"Relative" in the theory of relativity means: "with respect to..". Thus the implication is not uncertain knowledge but certain knowledge.

October 2-nd, 2008

Copyright © Constantin Popa 2008 All rights reserved