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Video Course

Gravity and Quantum Mechanics

This course demonstrates how gravity and quantum mechanics work in Knot Physics. Topics covered include the double slit experiment, virtual particles, and spacetime curvature.

Embedded Manifold


Dimensions

The spacetime manifold is a 4-dimensional manifold embedded in a 5+1 Minkowski space.

Knots


Knots on Manifolds

A n-manifold in a n+2-dimensional space can be knotted. Those knots are elementary particles in Knot Physics.

Pair Creation

The knots of Knot Physics are topological defects in the spacetime manifold. Here we show creation of pairs of topological defects on a 2-dimensional manifold. This is analogous to the production of a particle/antiparticle pair.

A Topological Defect

We show a closer view of a topological defect on a 2-dimensional manifold. This is a simplified model of the topological defects of Knot Physics.

Curvature Constraints


Topologically Flat Spacetime

If spacetime is topologically flat, then the curvature constraints require that the only geometric feature of the manifold is waves.

Geometric Degrees of Freedom

A knot (topological defect) on the spacetime manifold adds geometric degrees of freedom.

Branches


Branching Examples

In Knot Physics, the spacetime manifold is a branched manifold. Here we show examples of branches that split and recombine. (Geometric separation between branches is exaggerated for clarity.)

Branches and Knots

When branches split and recombine, the knots on the branches also split and recombine.

Branch Weight and Branching

There is a branch weight w defined at every point on the spacetime manifold. That weight is conserved at branching.

Branch Weight and Geometry

The branch weight w is conserved by stretching of the manifold.

Branch Weight, Branching, and Geometry

The branch weight w is conserved by both branching and stretching. This implies a relationship between branching and stretching.

Dynamics


Entropy of Virtual Particles

The spacetime manifold can spontaneously produce virtual particles. These virtual particles contribute to the entropy. (Here we show the production of virtual photons. For more on electromagnetism, please see the papers.)

Entropy of Branching

Recombination of branches of the manifold is random. This recombination contributes to the entropy.

Branch Cohesion

Entropy of branch recombination is reduced when branches are far from each other. For this reason, branches tend to stay close to each other. We call this branch cohesion.

Quantum Mechanics


Knot Amplitude

Knots on the spacetime manifold can rotate and change size. We describe this with a single complex number, which we call the knot amplitude.

Knot Recombination

When knots recombine, their knot amplitudes recombine to the weighted average amplitude.

Knot Addition

We can define a quantum amplitude that is based on the knot amplitude. The quantum amplitude is additive at recombination. (For derivation of the Born rule of quantum probability, please see the papers.)

Quantum Path Integral

Using the formula for addition of quantum amplitudes, we derive a formula for summing over the contributions of all knots. In the limit, the formula converges to a path integral.

Single Particle Distribution

Using the notion of quantum interference from the path integral, we can demonstrate the behavior of a single real particle. A single real particle has many knots, with one knot on each branch of the manifold.

Double Slit Experiment

The double slit experiment displays quantum interference. Here we show an example of the double slit experiment as it works in Knot Physics. (For a description of quantum measurement, please see the papers.)

Gravity


Geometry of Spacetime

We show how an embedded spacetime manifold has geometric characteristics that qualitatively match general relativity.

Lagrangian of Curvature

Branch recombination has entropy. Stretching reduces branch recombination. We give a formula relating stretching and entropy. The formula has the form of a Lagrangian.

Lagrangian of Matter

Matter reduces the entropy of the spacetime manifold. We give a formula relating matter and entropy. The formula has the form of a Lagrangian.

Quantum Gravity

We combine spacetime geometry with entropy to produce a Lagrangian that has the form of the Einstein-Hilbert action of general relativity.

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Physics Beyond the Event Horizon

Physics Beyond the Event Horizon

In Knot Physics, a model of quantum gravity extends our knowledge of physics beyond the event horizon.

A natural transition from quantum to classical

Schrödinger’s Cat

At the center of physics is a conundrum that has persisted since the early days of quantum mechanics.

Theory Summary


An overview of the entire theory, from simple assumptions about the spacetime manifold through particles, quantum mechanics, and forces


Learn more

Theory Summary


An overview of the entire theory, from simple assumptions about the spacetime manifold through particles, quantum mechanics, and forces


Learn more