A relativistic view of matter

v. 5 n. 21

Since space(time) and the gravitational field are equivalent, [1] and this accelerating field has mass (mass-energy), then space has mass, or mass in its most primitive form is observed accelerated expanding large-scale space. (Similarly for the quantum vacuum where virtual particles over a given region have an average finite mass over an indefinite time.)

Although, something has to be done to this space to make it palpable. Why not just "curve" it, using the terminology of general relativity. Another term of such curved space apart from condensed matter is a gravitational wave. But still, something has to be done to this wave moving at light speed to slow it down enough to become a recognizable particle of mass E/c^2.

The nucleon has been characterized in Figure 1. [2]

The three quark components of this particle were said to possibly be gravitational sinks instead of sources. With such point particles the ambient gravitational field points to them from all directions and cancels, so that the particle per se is massless, its mass in the field extending to infinity from the quark's inception. [3] In any case most of the mass of the nucleon is in the relationship among the quarks conventionally in terms of gluons, not in the quarks themselves. [4]

The quarks in Figure 1 are said to be moving at near-light speed, which is just slightly below the light speed of a gravitational wave mentioned, so that it might not be that much of a step from gravitational wave to a few quarks of mass

m_q^3 ~ (A/G)(h/c)^2,

where acceleration of the Universe A ~ 10^-14 m/s^2, and the mass of a quark is in terms of relativistic, quantum and astrophysical constants. [5]

To arrive at nucleon mass from the marginal mass of such quarks, aside from the conventional gluon explanation, these quarks would have to be moving at a substantial fraction of light speed in curved paths to generate this much mass from relativistic effects, suggesting an alternate to the conventional view; motion in curved paths is accelerated motion and equivalent to gravitation from the equivalence principle, which would be enhanced in this case suggesting the strong force in terms of gravity.

Since the quark mass relation above was derived by employing relativity, it is not unreasonable to suggest similar relativistic effects would provide the remaining nucleon mass. There appears to be a self-similarity here so that an entirely novel explanation would not be required to step from the quark to the nucleon, as it would to step from the quark to the gluon to the nucleon.

Also, this conforms with particles possibly having physical rotation in addition to quantum "spin." [6]

Quarks move and at speeds dependent on the number of nucleons in an atomic nucleus. The highest quark speeds would be in the hydrogen nucleus or isolated proton, and the lowest in the heavier nuclei. [7][8]

In an inquiry to ChatGPT: What is the velocity range of the valence quarks in a free proton?

ChatGPT "... In a simplified picture, you could imagine valence quarks moving with velocities that are a significant fraction of the speed of light, due to the high energies involved in the interactions within a proton. However, it's important to note that "velocity" in the context of particles like quarks is often expressed in terms of momentum fractions or parton distribution functions (PDFs), which describe the probability of finding a quark carrying a certain fraction of the proton's momentum. ..."

Quantum and relativity viewpoints could be complementary. The strong and electromagnetic forces were derived with a model such as in Figure 1. [9]

[1] A. Einstein, Relativity, Crown, New York, 1961, p. 155

[2] Identifying the components of proton spin | LinkedIn

[3] (4) Particles as sinks instead of sources (booklet) | LinkedIn

[4] The pure relativistic nucleon? | LinkedIn

[5] A brief classical derivation of quark mass | LinkedIn

[6] Rationale and importance of physical rotation for quantum particles | LinkedIn

[7] Study of quark speeds finds a solution for a 35-year physics mystery | MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology

[8] Physics - Quarks Influenced by Their Neighborhood ( aps.org )

[9] How might gravity relate to the other forces? | LinkedIn

Cover image: https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2015-12-16-freak-ocean-waves-hit-without-warning-new-research-shows

Cover image caption: Ocean wave shaping particle-like form as simulation for a gravitational wave developing a subatomic particle.