For more than a century, the speed of light has been considered the ultimate limit of the universe, shaping our understanding of space, time and the theory of relativity. Now, a breakthrough idea suggests the existence of another universal speed limit: an invariant minimum speed embedded in the fabric of space and time. The discovery of the absolute minimum speed at the quantum level reshapes the long-standing belief in absolute rest in Newtonian theory and reveals the surprising connection between the smallest quantum particles and the vastness of the universe. By introducing this minimum velocity into a new theoretical framework, scientists aim to unlock the mysteries of the universe, from the behavior of hydrogen atoms to the forces accelerating the expansion of the universe.
Dr. Cláudio Nassif Cruz of the Federal University of Ouro Preto has developed a fascinating physics framework that proposes this minimum speed as a new fundamental constant of nature. This is a new theory of motion, called symmetric special relativity (SSR), which builds on Einstein’s work by adding an additional speed limit that is at a lower speed relative to the gravitational vacuum. Given on the energy scale, it is like a gravitational vacuum. ether. The innovative concept of SSR initially proposed by Cruz has been published in “Physics of the Dark Universe”. Dr. Cruz’s goal is to reshape our understanding of the quantum world and the universe by treating dark energy as a new energy source. ether Relevant to the background frame of constant minimum velocity.
In this new theory of space-time, two universal speed limits are described: the speed of light and an unattainable minimum speed so slow that no particle can ever reach it. This minimum speed is not only theoretical but also practical. It has practical implications. It is connected to a special frame of reference in space, a fundamental framework that provides a universal baseline for motion, taking on a new role in relation to the vacuum energy that fills the universe. ether. Vacuum energy refers to the potential energy that exists even in a vacuum. The hydrogen atom plays a key role in the theory because it represents the lightest and most stable structure. Its properties help scientists understand how this minimum velocity connects the smallest particles to cosmic-scale phenomena. Calculations based on the ratio of electric and gravitational forces in hydrogen atoms lead to this minimum speed. It explains fundamental properties of matter, such as the ratio of proton mass to electron mass, and how this affects energy levels within atoms.
One of the most exciting results of Dr. Cruz’s research is a new interpretation of the energy level of the hydrogen atom, which is determined by this minimum velocity. The findings also provide new insights into the cosmological constant, a factor that explains the accelerated expansion of the universe. Dr. Cruz said his theory could naturally explain this constant as part of a unified framework. He believes that SSR offers a completely new way to understand the connection between quantum physics, which controls the behavior of tiny particles, and gravity, which shapes the universe on the largest scales. Dr Cruz said: “The concept of minimum velocity not only changes the way we think about classical physics, but also reveals unexpected connections between quantum uncertainty – the principle that limits how precise certain properties of a particle can be – and quantum gravity. “
Dr. Cruz also proposed an exciting way to test this theory experimentally. His colleagues have established contact with an experimental group in Virginia (USA) to conduct experiments, proposing the use of ultra-cold systems. Such systems, called Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs), are unique states of matter created when particles cool to temperatures close to absolute zero. These systems may exhibit unusual effects predicted by theory, providing potential evidence for the existence of minimum velocities. One of the most fascinating predictions involves how this minimum speed affects time itself. As Dr. Cruz explains, “Experiments at ultracold temperatures allow testing of new deformations in time due to velocity minima. When temperatures approach absolute zero or particle speeds approach minima, this results in hypothetical ultracold atomic clocks measured in the laboratory at room temperature. Half-life shortening, i.e. inappropriate time contraction. This is in contrast to what happens to an atomic clock as it approaches the speed of light, causing its half-life to time dilate in the laboratory, i.e. inappropriate time dilation if it approaches absolute zero or minimum speed. Contraction has been confirmed in the laboratory, which will completely change our understanding of space-time and gravity, triggering a paradigm shift in physics that began with Einstein in the 20th century. It will explain the origin of the cosmological constant and vacuum energy through a unified theory, heralding the beginning. A new era in 21st century physics and cosmology.
This research pushes the boundaries of conventional physics, positioning SSR as a transformative step toward unifying the fragmentation fields of quantum mechanics, the study of particle behavior at the smallest scales, and cosmology (the science of the entire universe). By redefining space and time in terms of two universal speed limits, this groundbreaking research could open the door to a deeper understanding of our universe, from the simplest hydrogen atoms to the mystery of dark energy that governs the expansion of the universe.
Journal reference
CN Cruz and AC Amaro de Faria Jr., “The cosmological constant and energy quantization of the hydrogen atom according to dual special relativity with minimum velocities,” Physics of the Dark Universe, 2024. /10.1016/j.dark.2024.101700
About the author
Claudio Nassif Cruz is a retired professor of physics at the Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP), Minas Gerais, Brazil. He was born in Alenparaíba, Minas Gerais, in August 1967.
He received his Bachelor’s degree in Physics in 1992 from the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF), Minas Gerais, Brazil.
He received his master’s degree (1992) and PhD (2002) in physics from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
He has long experience in condensed matter physics with emphasis on equations of state, phase equilibria and phase transitions, focusing on the following topics, namely Thompson’s method, renormalization groups, dynamic and static critical exponents of various systems, diffusion-limited chemical reactions, Polymer, surface growth, N-vector model without random fields. Some topics in field theory, such as quantum electrodynamics (QED) and quantum chromodynamics (QCD), are also treated using the Thompson method.
In another original research presented by himself, he devoted himself to exploring another possibility of Lorentz symmetry breaking in deformed special relativity with constant minimum velocity (symmetric special relativity), in which the background field is composed of non- The low-energy dynamics generated by Lorentz, thereby explaining the tiny positive value of the cosmological constant, also explain the quantum uncertainty principle, allowing us to establish a link between quantum physics and cosmology.
