Why the speed of light isn't as fundamental as you think

The Speed of Light is NOT Fundamental. But THIS is. · 16:34 · Video: Domain of Science · Watch at the source

In short: We often treat the speed of light or gravity as the ultimate building blocks of reality. This video challenges that assumption, exploring why our most famous physical constants might not be the truly fundamental numbers governing the universe.

In physics, constants like the speed of light and Planck’s constant are considered 'fundamental' because they cannot be derived from deeper theories; we must accept them as true. However, these values are often dependent on our specific units of measurement. The video explores a quest to identify the truly underlying constants of nature.

The search reveals a surprising distinction between dimensional constants and dimensionless constants. While the speed of light is essential for our current laws of physics, it may not belong to the deepest layer of reality. By looking at dimensionless constants—numbers that remain the same regardless of the units used—we find a different set of values that might be more truly universal.

Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.

Sources

To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/science-the-speed-of-light-is-not-fundamental-but-this-is.

How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

Finding something worth knowing…