Relationship between elements and speed of light

The fine structure constant is a number used to quantify the strength of the electromagnetic force. It is related to the speed of light, and altering it could have significant effects on the creation of elements in the universe. Professor Brian Cox discusses this idea in his documentary "Human Universe," questioning how much leeway a creator would have to change the physical constants. If the speed of light were altered one way, there would be no carbon, and if altered the other way, there would be no oxygen.
  • #1
Roodles01
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I recently watched a documentary presented by Professor Brian Cox called Human Universe.

In it he was wondering how much leeway he would have, if he was "the creator of our universe", to alter the physical constants.
He then went on to say that if he altered the speed of light one way then there would be no carbon in the universe and if he altered it the same amount the other way there would be no oxygen.

Can anyone start describing how this could be.
What is the relationship between speed of light and creation of elements?

Thanks
 
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  • #2

Related to Relationship between elements and speed of light

1. What is the relationship between elements and the speed of light?

The speed of light is a universal constant that is not affected by elements. It is the maximum speed at which all forms of matter and energy can travel in a vacuum.

2. Can the speed of light vary in different elements?

No, the speed of light is the same in all elements. It is one of the fundamental constants of the universe and cannot be altered or affected by any known substance or element.

3. How does the speed of light affect the properties of elements?

The speed of light does not directly affect the properties of elements. However, it is an important factor in the study of atomic and molecular structures, as the speed of light plays a role in determining the energy levels and behavior of electrons and other subatomic particles.

4. Is there a connection between the speed of light and the atomic number of elements?

There is no direct connection between the speed of light and the atomic number of elements. The atomic number of an element is determined by the number of protons in its nucleus, while the speed of light is a universal constant that is not influenced by atomic structure.

5. How does the speed of light relate to the study of the periodic table?

The speed of light is not directly related to the study of the periodic table. However, it does play a role in the study of atomic structure and the properties of elements, which are important factors in understanding the periodic table. Additionally, the speed of light is used as a reference point for measuring atomic masses and other properties of elements.

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