arXiv:2511.20728v1 Announce Type: new
Abstract: We unify two complementary viewpoints on relativistic spacetime and the counting of fundamental constants. Operationally, Matsas, Pleitez, Saa, and Vanzella (MPSV) have recently argued that relativistic spacetime requires only a single fundamental dimensional constant. Mathematically, theorems due to Alexandrov and Zeeman demonstrate that the light-cone structure determines the spacetime geometry only up to a conformal factor. We show that these approaches are mutually reinforcing: the Alexandrov-Zeeman theorems establish the rigid conformal structure of spacetime, while the “bona fide clock” required by MPSV serves the necessary mathematical role of breaking the dilation symmetry. We provide a formal derivation proving that the normalization of a single clock worldline is sufficient to select a unique metric from the conformal class, thereby clarifying that the number of fundamental constants is exactly one.
Conclusions
The unification of the viewpoints on relativistic spacetime and the counting of fundamental constants by Matsas, Pleitez, Saa, and Vanzella (MPSV) alongside the theorems by Alexandrov and Zeeman have shed new light on the structure of spacetime. By recognizing the rigid conformal structure of spacetime and the importance of a single fundamental dimensional constant, we have gained a deeper understanding of the mathematical underpinnings of relativistic physics.
Future Roadmap
Challenges:
- Further experimental validation to confirm the implications of the unified viewpoints.
- Development of theoretical frameworks to integrate these ideas into existing theories of gravitation and quantum mechanics.
- Educational outreach to help disseminate these complex concepts to a wider audience.
Opportunities:
- Exploration of new avenues for research in fundamental physics.
- Potential breakthroughs in understanding the nature of spacetime and the fundamental constants of the universe.
- Collaboration between physicists and mathematicians to delve deeper into the implications of these unifications.
By embracing the unity of these diverse perspectives, we stand at the cusp of a new era in theoretical physics where the mysteries of spacetime and fundamental constants may be closer to resolution than ever before.