Energy-First Cosmology: A Thought Experiment on the Emergence of Physical Reality
Author: David Resnick
Email: djresnick@gmail.com
Abstract
This thought experiment reinterprets Einstein’s mass-energy equivalence, E = mc², as a generative framework for the creation of the physical universe from primordial energy. Energy, the fundamental substrate, exists in a non-dimensional state before condensing into discrete dimensional units, each defined by a c²-scaled pixel grid. This formation instantaneously co-creates spacetime, embedding an irreversible physical fabric. The temporal component of the grid is precisely defined by c², fixing the smallest observable moment at the speed of light’s scale, while the spatial component (an area) is defined by c² but varies due to nuances like interactions or mass differences. E = mc² thus serves as both a conversion relation and the blueprint for reality’s temporal precision and spatial adaptability.
Core Premises
Primordial Energy as the Fundamental Ingredient
Energy exists eternally in a timeless, spaceless, non-dimensional state, where concepts like time or space units are irrelevant, as no physical framework exists to define them.
Creation of the Physical World
The physical universe emerges when energy transforms into structured dimensional units, using itself as the raw material. This process requires the simultaneous creation of space and time (unified as spacetime), as neither can exist independently—space implies temporal change, and time requires spatial distinction.
Formation of Dimensional Units via the c² Pixel Grid
Energy condenses into discrete dimensional units, each defined by a c²-scaled pixel grid. One unit of mass (m) corresponds to an energy block via m = E / c², where c² (the speed of light squared, m²/s²) sets the scale for an observable point in space tied to an observable moment in time. The grid’s temporal component is precisely fixed, while its spatial component is adaptable, allowing variability in the physical fabric’s structure.
Role of the Speed of Light (c)
The speed of light (c ≈ 3 × 10⁸ m/s) emerges as the universal constant during dimensional unit formation, defining:
The smallest observable unit of time, precisely t_min = √(l_min) / c, where l_min is the spatial area of the pixel grid, defined by c² (e.g., l_min ≈ h² / (m² c²) for a mass unit m, such as 2.62 × 10⁻⁷⁰ m² for a Planck-mass unit). This time component is strictly fixed and uninfluenced by nuances, ensuring observability at c’s exact scale.
The spatial component, l_min, an area defined by c², which varies due to factors such as the mass of the dimensional unit, interactions within the grid (e.g., “friction” from electromagnetic or gravitational effects), or relativistic effects like spatial contraction.
Thus, c² quantifies the energy block (E = mc²) required for a dimensional unit to be observable, anchoring temporal precision while allowing spatial flexibility within c²’s bounds.
Instantaneous and Irreversible Fabric Formation
The moment a dimensional unit forms (realizing m = E / c²), a physical fabric—spacetime and its laws—emerges instantaneously within energy. This fabric, with a temporally precise c² pixel grid, is irreversible; once a unit is created, it remains forever real and observable. Prior to formation, no fabric exists; post-formation, the grid’s temporal structure persists infinitely, while spatial variations enable dynamic configurations.
Infinite Combination and Emergent Complexity
Dimensional units, defined by the temporally precise c² pixel grid, exist infinitely and combine, overlap, or interact to form composite structures (e.g., particles, atoms, galaxies). The strict temporal scale (t_min) ensures consistent observability, while the variable spatial area (l_min) accommodates nuances like mass-dependent pixel sizes or “friction” (interactions slowing composite motion, e.g., via electromagnetic or gravitational forces). These interactions do not alter the fundamental units’ c²-defined temporal precision.
Interpretation of E = mc²
In this framework, E = mc² transcends mere equivalence:
It describes the mechanism by which energy condenses into mass units within a c² pixel grid, fixing the temporal boundary of observability at c’s precise scale while allowing spatial adaptability.
c² serves as the critical scaling factor, defining the energy block needed for a unit to manifest as a real, observable entity, with time strictly invariant and space variable due to grid nuances.
The equation outlines both the conversion of energy to mass and the structural threshold for physical reality, balancing temporal rigidity with spatial flexibility to enable complex structures.
Implications and Speculative Nature
This model aligns with relativity (spacetime unity, c as invariant for time), quantum field theory (energy as foundational), and Big Bang cosmology (energy-driven emergence), offering a philosophical lens for a universe with a precise temporal grid and adaptable spatial structure. The strict c²-defined time component ensures consistent observability, while spatial variability supports emergent phenomena like particle formation or cosmic expansion. Speculative elements include the trigger for unit formation and the exact nature of spatial nuances (e.g., mass variation or interactions). Future refinements could quantify l_min for specific masses (e.g., electron vs. Planck mass) or explore grid dynamics in extreme conditions like black holes. This thought experiment invites reflection on energy’s role in crafting a reality with precise temporal pixels and flexible spatial boundaries.