The number of fundamental constants from a spacetime-based perspective

Area of Science:

• Theoretical Physics
• Foundational Physics
• Cosmology

Background:

• Divergent views exist on the number of fundamental physical constants.
• Previous work by Duff, Okun, and Veneziano explored this topic.
• The role of spacetime in defining physical observables is debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To resolve the debate on the number of fundamental constants.
• To establish a framework for determining fundamental constants based on spacetime.
• To clarify the relationship between spacetime structure and physical laws.

Main Methods:

• Revisiting foundational theories on fundamental constants.
• Utilizing spacetime as the primary framework for analysis.
• Defining fundamental constants based on the minimal set of independent standards for observables.

Main Results:

• The number of fundamental constants depends on the assumed spacetime.
• Units derived from spacetime construction are sufficient to express all observables.
• In relativistic spacetimes, only one fundamental constant is required.

Conclusions:

• Starting with spacetime resolves the debate on fundamental constants.
• A single fundamental constant is sufficient for relativistic spacetimes.
• This approach unifies the measurement of physical laws within a given spacetime.