Was Einstein Wrong to Ignore Ernst Mach? - Dr. C.S. Unnikrishnan, #253
Jun 8, 2024
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Dr. C.S. Unnikrishnan, a professor at the School of Quantum Technology, challenges traditional physics assumptions with his Machian approach. Topics include reevaluating Einstein, testing the speed of light, issues with simultaneity, Michaelson's aether detection, Bergson's criticism of relativity, and evidence of light speed changes.
Revisiting old experiments reveals new insights on cosmic gravity and relativity.
Challenges arise from the absence of absolute reference points in cosmic physics.
Evaluating Einstein's theories a century later sheds light on light speed constancy issues.
Breaking physics to avoid undetectable aether prompts reassessment of light speed variations.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Relativity Theories
Historically, the podcast delves into the evolution of relativity theories and the challenges posed by contradictory experimental evidence. Initially discussing the notion of a stationary ether, the podcast highlights the experimental efforts to detect the Earth's motion through the ether, referencing experiments like those of Michelson. It explores the clash between Einstein's relativity, emphasizing the postulate of the invariance of the relative velocity of light, and previous theories proposing a variable velocity for light propagation.
The Challenge of Simultaneity in Relativity
The discussion transitions to the philosophical concept of simultaneity in the context of relativity theories. It touches upon the profound implications of relativity on notions like the universal concept of simultaneity and the plurality of time perspectives. Reference is made to the clash between philosophical perspectives on absolute time and duration with the relativity theories that introduced the concept of time dilation and observer-specific temporal experiences.
Unveiling the Limits of Experimental Detection
Another aspect covered in the podcast revolves around the limits of detection in experimental setups concerning the detection of the ether or absolute frame of reference. The narrators detail experiments like the Sanyak and Michelson-Gale experiments, contrasting the expected results with the actual outcomes. The discrepant outcomes between expected and observed signals regarding the ether's interaction with light raise questions about the permeation of certain experimental results in the scientific community.
Philosophical Intersections with Physics
The podcast explores the intersection of philosophical thought, particularly from scholars like Bergson, with the evolving field of physics. Bergson's engagement with concepts like duration, simultaneity, and the challenges posed by the relativity theories are highlighted. The influence of philosophy on the interpretation and acceptance of scientific theories, especially in realms like time, space, and motion, is examined, shedding light on the multidisciplinary dialogues shaping scientific discourse.
Understanding Einstein's Theory of Relativity and Bergson's Critique
Bergson critiqued Einstein's concept of simultaneity, pointing out a fundamental error in how simultaneity is addressed in relativity. By challenging the consistency of the postulate of the invariant velocity of light with real-life experiences of simultaneity, Bergson highlighted the conflict between theory and empirical observations, exemplified by scenarios like the train and platform analogy discussed by Einstein.
Implications for GPS and Invariance of Light's Relative Velocity
The discussion extended to the practical implications for modern technology like GPS systems, revealing that the observed behavior contradicts Einstein's postulate of invariant light velocity. GPS operations necessitate adjustments based on relative velocities, indicating a departure from Einstein's formula. The discrepancy underscores the ongoing relevance of Bergson's insights from 1922 on the role of relative velocities in interpreting simultaneity.
Exploring Action, Fields, and Quantum Mechanics
The conversation delved into the conceptual complexities of physics, touching upon the nature of fields, actions, and quantum particles in theoretical frameworks. Emphasizing the challenge of bridging theoretical constructs with tangible explanations, the dialogue underscored the evocative interplay between mathematical formulations, experimental verifications, and the pursuit of coherent, understandable theories in the realms of quantum mechanics and fundamental physics.
Dr. C.S. Unnikrishnan is a professor at the School of Quantum Technology at the Defense Institute of Advanced Technology. Unnikrishnan is also a key member of the LIGO-India project and a member of the global LIGO Scientific Collaboration. His work has led him to some revolutionary conclusions about the nature of gravity, light, and the missing medium for these invisible actions. Our conversation gets into the details of his Machian approach to understanding the cosmos, which his calls "cosmic gravity." We discuss Henri Bergson's criticism of relativity, Einstein's transformation into quantum mascot, and issues with simultaneity in cosmic physics. Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Paper discussed in this podcast:
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/1466/1/012007
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00:00 Go!
00:04:57 Revisiting old experiments to learn something new
00:13:23 A lack of absolute reference points
00:25:05 Reevaluating Einstein a Century On
00:35:22 Testing the constancy of the speed of light
00:43:25 Why is breaking physics preferred to an undetectable aether?
00:54:36 Evidence of light speed changes
01:04:39 Could Michaelson & Morley have given a different result?
01:21:16 Why was Michaelson's 1925 detection of the aether ignored?
01:25:38 Henri Bergson, Einstein, and Simultaneity
01:33:17 Simultaneity that is experienced
01:42:19 Mathematical elegance in conflict with reality
01:48:59 Is revisiting the constancy of light speed possible?
01:56:08 The solutions offered by a Machian paradigm
02:03:59 One universal frame intro
02:09:10 Are there two theories about light possible, or can only one prevail?
02:20:54 Is there an alternative to fields?
02:29:36 Closing thoughts
#sciencepodcast, #QuantumPhysics, #CosmicGravity, #LIGOIndia, #MachianPhysics, #QuantumTechnology, #Einstein, #HenriBergson, #Relativity, #QuantumMascot, #Simultaneity, #GravityTheory, #PhysicsPodcast, #ScientificCollaboration, #Astrophysics, #CosmicPhysics, #ScienceRevolution, #theoreticalphysics , #QuantumMechanics, #LIGOProject, #PhysicsCommunity
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