Front cover of Unified Physics by James A. Putnam

Original Theoretical Work

Unified Physics

An Original Theoretical Work by James A. Putnam

Available on Amazon

"Neither true universal time nor true space has ever been directly represented in any physics equation by anyone. This theory changes that."

— James A. Putnam

About the Book

This theory proposes a new interpretation of the universe. Its presentation requires a revision of the fundamentals of physics. This revision has a theme, a goal, a scientific quest to learn the nature of the universe by establishing fundamentally unified physics from the beginning to end of analyses.

The beginning centers on learning the connection between mass and electromagnetic radiation. All empirical knowledge about the action of the universe is expressible in simple to complex arrangements of two elements of physical action: velocity and change of velocity. No matter how far removed an interpretation of action appears to be from these two basic elements, the interpretation is most exact when including only them.

From the Pound-Rebka experiment to the hydrogen atom, from thermodynamic entropy to the universal gravitational constant, Putnam builds a unified framework in which the speed of light varies with distance from matter, mass is formally defined in terms of distance and duration alone, and a single fundamental increment of time — the period for a photon to pass a given point — serves as the clock of the universe.

Inside the Book

Part I

Two Elements of Physical Action

The successful search for unity in physics depends upon developing an analysis of the universe based firmly upon the two elements of physical action: velocity and change of velocity. All our empirical knowledge about the action of the universe should be expressible in simple to complex arrangements of these two elements. Putnam introduces exceleration — change of velocity with respect to distance — as a new tool that proves essential for analyzing the behavior of light and the nature of gravity.

Part II

Light and Relativity Effects

The general theory of relativity established a connection between the behavior of light and all other physical phenomena. Putnam proposes that the speed of light varies as a function of distance from matter, and that this variation — not space-time — is the true cause of all relativity type effects. The Pound-Rebka experiment is reinterpreted: light slows as it approaches the earth, and the coordinated change in photon length masks this variation from every local observer.

Part III

The Definition of Mass and Gravity

Mass is formally defined using the historical method used to define energy and momentum — in terms of distance and duration only. The unit of the kilogram is shown to be expressible as a combination of meters and seconds, restoring fundamental unity to f = ma and all of physics that follows. The universal gravitational constant G is then derived as the square of the local acceleration of one neutron toward another at a distance of one hydrogen radius — revealing the physical origin of gravity.

Part IV

Electromagnetism and Absolute Time

The magnitude previously used as electric charge is identified as a universal constant period of absolute, universal time — the single most unifying item when used in the denominator of rates of change of events. Electrical permittivity is shown to be inversely proportional to the product of the speed of light and the speed of sound. Magnetic permeability is the ratio of the speed of sound to the speed of light. The free electrons inside a metal are shown to move at the speed of sound.

Part V

Thermodynamic Entropy and Fundamental Constants

Clausius's thermodynamic entropy is identified as a measure of time — the time required for heat to be transferred at the rate represented by temperature. Boltzmann's constant, Planck's constant, and temperature each receive physical explanations grounded in the hydrogen atom. The universal gas constant R is shown to be directly proportional to the total time required for a mole of ideal gas to transfer average molecular kinetic energy from molecule to molecule without delay.

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