In the 20th century, physics was split into quantum mechanics on the microscale, classical mechanics on the macroscale, and general relativity on the cosmic scale, each with a distinct conceptual framework. On the contrary, a simple realistic picture of fundamental waves can provide the basis for reunifying physics on all scales. This neoclassical synthesis combines aspects of classical, quantum, and relativistic physics, but is distinct from each of them. Electrons are soliton-like waves with quantized spin, which locally define time and space. In contrast, nucleons and atoms are simply composites, with no wave nature of their own. There are no point particles, quantum entanglement, or gravitational singularities. Furthermore, mathematical abstractions such as curved spacetime and complex quantum waves in Hilbert space are not fundamental at all. This approach makes predictions that differ from orthodox theory, which can be tested.
In the 20th century, physics was split into quantum mechanics on the microscale, classical mechanics on the macroscale, and general relativity on the cosmic scale, each with a distinct conceptual framework. On the contrary, a simple realistic picture of fundamental waves can provide the basis for reunifying physics on all scales. This neoclassical synthesis combines aspects of classical, quantum, and relativistic physics, but is distinct from each of them. Electrons are soliton-like waves with quantized spin, which locally define time and space. In contrast, nucleons and atoms are simply composites, with no wave nature of their own. There are no point particles, quantum entanglement, or gravitational singularities. Furthermore, mathematical abstractions such as curved spacetime and complex quantum waves in Hilbert space are not fundamental at all. This approach makes predictions that differ from orthodox theory, which can be tested.
The unity of classical physics was broken by quantum uncertainty on the micro level and curved spacetime on the cosmic level. In contrast, a novel neoclassical picture is presented*, which incorporates key aspects of quantum and relativistic physics, while maintaining deterministic local reality at all levels. This is based on the following principles: 1) Real rotating vector fields self-organize into soliton-like wave packets with quantized spin; these represent elementary particles. 2) Characteristic frequency and wavelength of these wave packets define time and space, and are modulated by gravity. 3) Wave packets maintain constant frequency for both massive and massless particles, reproducing relativistic trajectories. 4) Transitions are due to continuous interactions between wave packets that conserve total frequency, wavevector, and spin. This approach maintains quantum discreteness without Hilbert space, and reproduces curved light without spacetime. But this also predicts sharp deviations from some simple predictions of orthodox quantum theory, such as the two-stage Stern-Gerlach experiment. *A.M. Kadin, “Fundamental Waves and the Reunification of Physics”, Foundational Questions Institute Essay Contest, 2017, available online at https://fqxi.org/community/forum/topic/2972.
According to classical physics (i.e., physics prior to the 20th century), particles and waves are distinct classes of physical entity that possess markedly different properties. For instance, particles are discrete, which means that they cannot be arbitrarily divided. In other words, it makes sense to talk about one electron, or two electrons, but not about a third of an electron. Waves, on the other hand, are continuous, which means that they can be arbitrarily divided. In other words, given a wave whose amplitude has a certain value, it makes sense to talk about a similar wave whose amplitude is one third, or any other fraction whatsoever, of this value. Particles are also highly localized in space. For example, atomic nuclei have very small radii of order 10−15 m, whereas electrons act like point particles (i.e., they have no discernible spatial extent). Waves, on the other hand, are nonlocalized in space. In fact, a wave is defined as a disturbance that is periodic in space, with some finite periodicity length (i.e., wavelength). Hence, it is fairly meaningless to talk about a disturbance being a wave unless it extends over a region of space that is at least a few wavelengths in size.
Despite its successes, quantum mechanics (QM) has remained mysterious to all who have encountered it. Starting with Bohr and progressing into the present, the departure from intuitive, physical reality has widened. The connection between QM and reality is more than just a “philosophical” issue. It reveals that QM is not a correct or complete theory of the physical world and that inescapable internal inconsistencies and incongruities arise when attempts are made to treat it as physical as opposed to a purely mathematical “tool.” Some of these issues are discussed in a review by F. Laloe [Am. J. Phys. 69, 655 (2001)]. In an attempt to provide some physical insight into atomic problems and starting with the same essential physics as Bohr of e moving in the Coulombic field of the proton and the wave equation as modified by Schrodinger, a classical approach is explored that yields a remarkably accurate model and provides insight into physics on the atomic level. The proverbial view, deeply seated in the wave-particle duality notion, that there is no large-scale physical counterpart to the nature of the electron may not be correct. Physical laws and intuition may be restored when dealing with the wave equation and quantummechanical problems. Specifically, a theory of classical quantum mechanics (CQM) is derived from first principles that successfully applies physical laws on all scales. Rather than using the postulated Schrodinger boundary condition “Ψ → 0 as r → ∞,” which leads to a purely mathematical model of the electron, the constraint is based on experimental observation. Using Maxwell’s equations, the classical wave equation is solved with the constraint that the bound (n = 1)state electron cannot radiate energy. By further application of Maxwell’s equations to electromagnetic and gravitational fields at particle production, the Schwarzschild metric is derived from the classical wave equation, which modifies general relativity to include conservation of spacetime in addition to momentum and matter/energy. The result gives a natural relationship among Maxwell’s equations, special relativity, and general relativity. CQM holds over a scale of spacetime of 85 orders of magnitude — it correctly predicts the nature of the universe from the scale of the quarks to that of the cosmos. A review is given by G. Landvogt [Internat. J. Hydrogen Energy 28, 1155 (2003)].
A novel two-tiered organization of the microworld is presented, in which only the fundamental quantum fields of the standard model of particle physics (electrons, photons, quarks, etc.) are true quantum waves, exhibiting linear superposition. In contrast, confined quantum waves and their composites (such as nucleons and atoms) move collectively as particles following a classical Hamiltonian trajectory, as derived from the coherent phases of the component quantum waves. However, transitions between such quasi-classical trajectories are still subject to quantum transition rules of energy and momentum quantization (both linear and angular). Furthermore, there is no quantum decoherence, and no entanglement of multi-particle states. This provides a clear foundation for classical behavior, and avoids paradoxes of quantum measurement such as Schrödinger cat states. A synthesis of this type does not seem to have been previously examined. Can such a simple realistic representation really account for the known physics? This does require major reinterpretations of some established phenomena such as crystal diffraction, phonons, and superfluids.
Please download the paper and then read the abstract (since crucial formulas are not appearing in this window, and also hyperlinks are not working). This is just a brief overview: Relativity is inside the light cone phenomena, while Quantum Mechanics is outside the light cone phenomena, dictated just by the scale (i.e. whether we use classical/human scale or sub-atomic scale). This recent paper [ ‘ Quantum principle of relativity’; Andrzej Dragan, Artur Ekert, New. J. Phys. 22 (2020) 033098] has shown that every exotic Quantum effect like superposition, entanglement, probabilistic behavior, multiple paths etc. can be explained just by allowing super-luminal possibility. The 'inside the light cone' phenomena, and the 'outside the light cone' phenomena together span the entire region within the space and time axes. Only in unison they complete the entire picture. We failed to realize that the same spacetime is getting split into 'space like' and 'time like’ regions based on scale. And the reason behind this is not the magical ( ? ) speed of light. That would have turned both relativity and quantum mechanics into mere branches of electromagnetism. The true reason is much deeper and at a very fundamental level of our universe. It turns out that the c is the radial expansion velocity of our universe. But why does the transition from Relativity to Quantum Mechanics happens with decreasing size scale? That’s because, this is what is happens to spatial and temporal dimensions at different scales: 3+1 (Classical regime) <=> 2+2 (Compton regime) <=> 1+3 (Planck regime). Just as space and time exchange roles at the event horizon of a Black Hole, similarly, spatial and temporal dimensions switch roles for extremely small scales (although due to a completely different mechanism). Why this happens is difficult to expalin without the true model of our universe. But, once explained, it becomes "Why didn't I think about it before? I was plain silly!" From the center of universe viewpoint, simultaneity is absolute (as demanded by Sagnac effect), and there is indeed absolute universal time (as demanded by quantum mechanics). From our viewpoint (located at an awkward position in the universe), locality is absolute, and velocity c is the upper limit, and remains constant for every observer. This turns (our) space and time into inseparable twins, and makes (our) time a relative concept. This solves the time problem which had so stubbornly resisted the reconciliation of Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity. Quantum Mechanics and Special Relativity are like two sides of the same coin. But understanding the relation between Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity is a bit tricky, because according to General Relativity, gravity is the warping/curvature of the 4 dimensional spacetime itself. At first sight, Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity seem to be utterly incompatible! But actually, Special Relativity’s big brother General Relativity only complicates things a bit, but does not become inconsistent with Quantum Mechanics altogether. The only difference between the warped spacetime of General Relativity, and the flat spacetime of Special Relativity is very similar to the difference between a stretched rubber membrane, with and without a metal ball placed on it. This paper does not sacrifice any of the spectacular success of General Relativity and also does not compromise with any of the stunningly accurate predictions of Quantum Mechanics. And yet, this paper harmoniously brings Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity together. Just bear in mind that Nature simply cannot afford to make our two greatest theories incompatible. After all, both General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics were based on what nature was actually telling us, and nature herself would be accountable for any genuine contradiction (but not for the breakdown of our physics due to our misunderstanding!). And, by the way, this paper solves some of the most pressing problems in both Physics & Cosmology. The 'Principle of Least Action' which comes closest to a 'Theory of Everything' arises as a direct consequence of better SpaceTime theory proposed in this paper. Also, we can see why the symmetries of nature (which gives rise to the crucial conservation principles in Physics according to the Noether's theorems) arises in the first place. Gentle reminder: Please download the paper and then read the abstract.
Student research work in high school on the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics.Abstract:Quantum physics represents one of the most profound conceptual revolutions in modern science,redefining the foundations of matter, energy, and spacetime. This paper presents a structuredtheoretical examination of the development and implications of quantum mechanics, beginningwith the resolution of the ultraviolet catastrophe through energy quantization and extending tothe emergence of wave–particle duality, superposition, and intrinsic indeterminacy. By tracingthe contributions of Planck, Einstein, de Broglie, Schrödinger, Heisenberg, and Dirac, the workanalyzes the transition from classical determinism to probabilistic wave mechanics and thesubsequent formulation of quantum electrodynamics (QED) and quantum field theory (QFT).Particular attention is given to the conceptual shift from particles as localized objects toexcitations of underlying fields, providing a framework for understanding particle interactions,conservation laws, and the Standard Model of particle physics. The tension between quantummechanics and general relativity is examined through the unresolved problem of quantumgravity, highlighting the theoretical limitations that persist at singularities and Planck-scaleregimes. Rather than treating classical and quantum theories as irreconcilable domains, this studyconsiders their structural interplay and philosophical implications, emphasizing the need for aunified framework that coherently incorporates spacetime and quantization. The analysisprovides a qualitative synthesis intended to support future quantitative investigations intofundamental physics and the continued development of quantum technologies.