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Speed of sound from fundamental physical constants

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Change log

Authors

Trachenko, Kostya 
Monserrat, Bartomeu 
Pickard, Chris J 
Brazhkin, Vadim 

Abstract

Two dimensionless fundamental physical constants, the fine structure constant α and the proton- to-electron mass ratio mp/me are attributed a particular importance from the point of view of nuclear synthesis, formation of heavy elements, planets, and life-supporting structures. Here, we show that a combination of these two constants results in a new dimensionless constant which provides the upper bound for the speed of sound in condensed phases, vu. We find that vu/c = α (me/2mp)^1/2 , where c is the speed of light in vacuum. We support this result by a large set of experimental data and first principles computations for atomic hydrogen. Our result expands current understanding of how fundamental constants can impose new bounds on important physical properties.

Description

Keywords

5106 Nuclear and Plasma Physics, 51 Physical Sciences

Journal Title

Science Advances

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

2375-2548
2375-2548

Volume Title

6

Publisher

American Association for the Advancement of Science
Sponsorship
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/P022596/1)
Royal Society (WM150023)