Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Elementary Particles and Conservation Laws: a Realist Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics

Jean Louis Van Belle

Published Aug 1, 2019• 0 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

This paper offers some epistemological reflections on the idea of elementary particles, boson and quark-gluon theory, and the nature of quantum-mechanical conservation laws. We apply Occam’s Razor Principle to what we think of as an unnecessary ‘multiplication of concepts’ by ‘the young wolves’ (Feynman, Dyson, Schwinger etc.) as they were claiming their own territory by trying to distinguish themselves from the first-generation quantum physicists (Planck, Einstein, Bohr, Heisenberg, Schrodinger, Dirac, Pauli, etc.). We argue that their abandoning of Dirac’s research agenda (a kinematic model of quantum mechanics) has failed. We have no convincing model of the strong force, and the idea of virtual particles mediating forces resembles 19th aether theory: it looks like a superfluous concept. We also think it is a crucial mistake to think of the weak force as a force. Decay or disintegration processes should be analyzed in terms of transient or resonant oscillations and in terms of classical laws: conservation of energy, linear and angular momentum, charge and – importantly – the Planck-Einstein relation. Indeed, we argue the Planck-Einstein relation embodies the idea of the elementary cycle which – as a theoretical concept – has much more explanatory power than the idea of a particle. We feel vindicated by the 2019 revision of SI units (which abolished the mass unit as a fundamental unit) and the recent development of intuitive ‘mass without mass’ models of the electron and the photon.

Related papers

The Metaphysics of Physics (II)

Jean Louis Van Belle

This paper complements an earlier (Nov 2018) paper on the metaphysics of physics. The earlier paper focused on an alternative (realist) interpretation of quantum mechanics. While inspired by the previous one, this follow-up paper is a much simpler one: we just offer very basic thoughts on the most fundamental physical concepts, which are the idea of force, energy and mass. Based on the recent precision measurements of the (electric) charge radius of a proton, we also argue previous reflections on the zbw radius of a proton make more sense now. Needless to say, we also offer our usual reflections on the concept of fields and messenger particles. We think the first is very useful – even if fields are relative. In contrast, we argue that the latter (the idea of virtual photons, gluons or other messenger particles) is purely metaphysical. In other words, we continue to think the idea of messenger particles is a non-scientific successor to aether theories.

•Jan 1, 2020•0 citations

Fundamental Laws and Quantum Dynamics

Eliade N. Stefanescu

Background: Recently, we obtained a unitary theory of quantum mechanics and general relativity, where a quantum particle is a continuous distribution of matter in the two conjugate spaces of the coordinates and momentum, quantized by the equality of the mass parameter describing the relativistic dynamics of the matter, with the mass as an integral of the matter density. However, in this framework, we have not explicitly revealed the connection between our new theory and the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics. Methods: We analyzed in detail the three fundamental laws of quantum mechanics, explicitly describing experimental data: 1) Planck’s law of the blackbody electromagnetic radiation of a system of electrically charged harmonic oscillators, 2) Einstein’s law of the photon energy proportionality with the photon frequency, and 3) de Broglie’s law of the quantum particle as an oscillator in space. Results: We reobtained the two dynamical equations, in the conjugate spaces of the coordinates and momentum, as functions of the Lagrangian system, unlike the Schrödinger equation, depending on the Hamiltonian. Conclusion: According to the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics, a quantum particle is a continuous distribution of matter with an intrinsic mass, unlike the conventional quantum mechanics for the state occupation probabilities of punctual entities moving with the light velocity and getting an apparent mass only by collisions with some bosons pervading the whole universe. According to these laws, we obtained a quantum theory in agreement with common sense, classical logic, and general relativity.

Current Physics•Sep 18, 2024•1 citation

An Alternative Theory of Everything: Classical Quantum Physics

Jean Louis Van Belle

This paper recaps the main results of our photon, proton and electron models and also revisits our earlier hypothesis of the neutrino being the carrier of the strong force carrier. As such, we think this paper contains all necessary ingredients of an alternative interpretation of quantum mechanics. We refer to this interpretation as a realist or classical interpretation because it does not require any equations or assumptions beyond the classical framework of physics: Maxwell’s equations and the Planck-Einstein relation are all that is needed. In order to distinguish our approach from mainstream physics (read: the Standard Model), we refer to our ideas as classical quantum physics.

•Jan 1, 2020•0 citations

Matter and Field

Ana Marı́a Cetto, Luis de la Peña

Chapter 2 explains how in constructing quantum mechanics, old ideas had to be discarded and well-established principles had to be modified or even abandoned. First it was necessary to be convinced of the physical reality of the atomic structure of matter; then to show that Newtonian mechanics is not directly applicable to the study of the atom; later to show that Maxwell’s electrodynamics alone does not describe all the elementary processes of interaction between an atom and other quantum particles. The chapter takes us from Planck’s energy quantum to Einstein’s quantization as a universal phenomenon, from Bohr’s quantum atom model, and the early quantization rules, to de Broglie’s waves associated with corpuscles in motion. It ends with a corollary on the electrodynamic nature of quantum mechanics.

Cambridge University Press eBooks•Dec 18, 2025•0 citations

Particles and Laws of Nature in Classical and Quantum Physics

Mario Hubert

I combine the idea of a primitive ontology with the metaphysics of laws of nature. In so doing, I examine the theoretical entities that are postulated in Newtonian mechanics, classical electrodynamics, and the de Broglie–Bohm quantum theory. I argue that the existence of mass, forces, fields, and the wave-function depends on the status of laws. The three major theories on laws of nature I treat are Humeanism, dispositionalism, and primitivism about laws. I point out that properties are notoriously ignored in debates on primitive ontologies. In fact, I show that properties, both intrinsic and relational, aren’t needed in physics; therefore, I replace the primitive ontology with a primitive stuff ontology, whose elements have no properties. Recently, a debate has started on the ontological status of forces in classical mechanics; I criticize the major positions and present my own idea that focuses on the status of laws of nature. Another hot topic is the status of the wave-function. Here, I develop a new interpretation in the framework of Humeanism that crucially differs from that advocated by David Albert and Barry Loewer, in that our world is not an illusion of a reality in configuration space. In addition, I propose a hitherto unconsidered way in which the wave–function can be construed as a holistic disposition.

•Nov 18, 2016•2 citations

Foundations of Quantum Mechanics Revealed by the Conservation Laws

Richard Joseph Oldani

It is often claimed that Einstein is wrong about quantum mechanics. However, when comparisons are made with respect to theoretical foundations rather than experimental results Einstein’s theories are found to be superior. Because he did not complete his theory its far-reaching, intuitively motivated derivations were never properly appreciated despite the fact that his is the only theory based on a relativistically correct foundation. The development of his arguments reveals that although non-relativistic theory correctly predicts what it is possible to observe (the emissions) with remarkable accuracy it neglects the other half of natural phenomena, that which cannot be observed (the absorptions), thereby violating the conservation of energy. The deficiencies in non-relativistic theory are corrected by applying Hamilton’s principle and deriving relativistic equations of motion. This allows quantum mechanical formalism in abstract space to be replaced by the juxtaposition of particle field geometries in real space. Direct application of the calculus of variations to an electron cycle reveals that the wave function represents a non-conservative force which is incomplete because it requires twice the allowable action minimum.

Qeios•Jan 15, 2024•0 citations
This paper offers some epistemological reflections on the idea of elementary particles, boson and quark-gluon theory, and the nature of quantum-mechanical conservation laws. We apply Occam’s Razor Principle to what we think of as an unnecessary ‘multiplication of concepts’ by ‘the young wolves’ (Feynman, Dyson, Schwinger etc.) as they were claiming their own territory by trying to distinguish themselves from the first-generation quantum physicists (Planck, Einstein, Bohr, Heisenberg, Schrodinger, Dirac, Pauli, etc.). We argue that their abandoning of Dirac’s research agenda (a kinematic model of quantum mechanics) has failed. We have no convincing model of the strong force, and the idea of virtual particles mediating forces resembles 19th aether theory: it looks like a superfluous concept. We also think it is a crucial mistake to think of the weak force as a force. Decay or disintegration processes should be analyzed in terms of transient or resonant oscillations and in terms of classical laws: conservation of energy, linear and angular momentum, charge and – importantly – the Planck-Einstein relation. Indeed, we argue the Planck-Einstein relation embodies the idea of the elementary cycle which – as a theoretical concept – has much more explanatory power than the idea of a particle. We feel vindicated by the 2019 revision of SI units (which abolished the mass unit as a fundamental unit) and the recent development of intuitive ‘mass without mass’ models of the electron and the photon.
This paper complements an earlier (Nov 2018) paper on the metaphysics of physics. The earlier paper focused on an alternative (realist) interpretation of quantum mechanics. While inspired by the previous one, this follow-up paper is a much simpler one: we just offer very basic thoughts on the most fundamental physical concepts, which are the idea of force, energy and mass. Based on the recent precision measurements of the (electric) charge radius of a proton, we also argue previous reflections on the zbw radius of a proton make more sense now. Needless to say, we also offer our usual reflections on the concept of fields and messenger particles. We think the first is very useful – even if fields are relative. In contrast, we argue that the latter (the idea of virtual photons, gluons or other messenger particles) is purely metaphysical. In other words, we continue to think the idea of messenger particles is a non-scientific successor to aether theories.
Background: Recently, we obtained a unitary theory of quantum mechanics and general relativity, where a quantum particle is a continuous distribution of matter in the two conjugate spaces of the coordinates and momentum, quantized by the equality of the mass parameter describing the relativistic dynamics of the matter, with the mass as an integral of the matter density. However, in this framework, we have not explicitly revealed the connection between our new theory and the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics. Methods: We analyzed in detail the three fundamental laws of quantum mechanics, explicitly describing experimental data: 1) Planck’s law of the blackbody electromagnetic radiation of a system of electrically charged harmonic oscillators, 2) Einstein’s law of the photon energy proportionality with the photon frequency, and 3) de Broglie’s law of the quantum particle as an oscillator in space. Results: We reobtained the two dynamical equations, in the conjugate spaces of the coordinates and momentum, as functions of the Lagrangian system, unlike the Schrödinger equation, depending on the Hamiltonian. Conclusion: According to the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics, a quantum particle is a continuous distribution of matter with an intrinsic mass, unlike the conventional quantum mechanics for the state occupation probabilities of punctual entities moving with the light velocity and getting an apparent mass only by collisions with some bosons pervading the whole universe. According to these laws, we obtained a quantum theory in agreement with common sense, classical logic, and general relativity.
This paper recaps the main results of our photon, proton and electron models and also revisits our earlier hypothesis of the neutrino being the carrier of the strong force carrier. As such, we think this paper contains all necessary ingredients of an alternative interpretation of quantum mechanics. We refer to this interpretation as a realist or classical interpretation because it does not require any equations or assumptions beyond the classical framework of physics: Maxwell’s equations and the Planck-Einstein relation are all that is needed. In order to distinguish our approach from mainstream physics (read: the Standard Model), we refer to our ideas as classical quantum physics.
Chapter 2 explains how in constructing quantum mechanics, old ideas had to be discarded and well-established principles had to be modified or even abandoned. First it was necessary to be convinced of the physical reality of the atomic structure of matter; then to show that Newtonian mechanics is not directly applicable to the study of the atom; later to show that Maxwell’s electrodynamics alone does not describe all the elementary processes of interaction between an atom and other quantum particles. The chapter takes us from Planck’s energy quantum to Einstein’s quantization as a universal phenomenon, from Bohr’s quantum atom model, and the early quantization rules, to de Broglie’s waves associated with corpuscles in motion. It ends with a corollary on the electrodynamic nature of quantum mechanics.
I combine the idea of a primitive ontology with the metaphysics of laws of nature. In so doing, I examine the theoretical entities that are postulated in Newtonian mechanics, classical electrodynamics, and the de Broglie–Bohm quantum theory. I argue that the existence of mass, forces, fields, and the wave-function depends on the status of laws. The three major theories on laws of nature I treat are Humeanism, dispositionalism, and primitivism about laws. I point out that properties are notoriously ignored in debates on primitive ontologies. In fact, I show that properties, both intrinsic and relational, aren’t needed in physics; therefore, I replace the primitive ontology with a primitive stuff ontology, whose elements have no properties. Recently, a debate has started on the ontological status of forces in classical mechanics; I criticize the major positions and present my own idea that focuses on the status of laws of nature. Another hot topic is the status of the wave-function. Here, I develop a new interpretation in the framework of Humeanism that crucially differs from that advocated by David Albert and Barry Loewer, in that our world is not an illusion of a reality in configuration space. In addition, I propose a hitherto unconsidered way in which the wave–function can be construed as a holistic disposition.
It is often claimed that Einstein is wrong about quantum mechanics. However, when comparisons are made with respect to theoretical foundations rather than experimental results Einstein’s theories are found to be superior. Because he did not complete his theory its far-reaching, intuitively motivated derivations were never properly appreciated despite the fact that his is the only theory based on a relativistically correct foundation. The development of his arguments reveals that although non-relativistic theory correctly predicts what it is possible to observe (the emissions) with remarkable accuracy it neglects the other half of natural phenomena, that which cannot be observed (the absorptions), thereby violating the conservation of energy. The deficiencies in non-relativistic theory are corrected by applying Hamilton’s principle and deriving relativistic equations of motion. This allows quantum mechanical formalism in abstract space to be replaced by the juxtaposition of particle field geometries in real space. Direct application of the calculus of variations to an electron cycle reveals that the wave function represents a non-conservative force which is incomplete because it requires twice the allowable action minimum.