As we explore the depths of the universe, we can't help but ask: how many physical parameters are needed to explain the universe as we observe it? The answer is a staggering number – 26.

These parameters cover the nature of particles, the strength of interactions, and the fundamental properties of space-time, which together form our understanding of the behavior and evolution of the universe. Although this number is impressive, many physicists believe that it is possible to decrease as more complete theories develop.

The importance of these fundamental constants lies in the fact that they determine the unique nature of the universe. Whether it is how particles interact with each other or how the universe expands, these parameters are inseparable from the precise definition. Within the existing physical framework, we cannot avoid these parameters, which are the key to solving the mystery of the universe.

Elementary particles and forces in the universe

The building blocks of the universe are elementary particles that perform an eternal dance of attraction and repulsion on the stage of time and space. The particles we know fall into two main categories: quarks and leptons. Quarks make up the heart of the nucleus – protons and neutrons, while leptons include electrons, neutrinos, etc. The interaction between these particles is governed by four fundamental forces: gravitational, electromagnetic, strong and weak nuclear forces.

Space-time itself is also a fundamental part of the universe, which is not only the background for particle interactions, but also the stage for evolution. On a cosmological scale, the properties of space-time play a decisive role in the expansion and structural formation of the universe. From the microcosm of particles to the macrocosm of the universe, these are shaped by the nature of particles and the interactions between them.

The mystery of mass interacts with particles

In the world of particles, mass is a decisive factor. The mass of a particle determines its behavior and fate in the universe, with massive particles such as quarks and electrons being produced rapidly in the early universe, while leptons and smaller particles appear in later periods. The mass of a particle not only affects the conditions under which it arises spontaneously, but also determines the strength of the interaction between them.

Electromagnetic interactions between charged particles, such as gravitational attraction and electromagnetic repulsion between electrons, are directly affected by their fundamental charges. In addition, the intrinsic properties of particles, such as spin and magnetic moment, are also involved in the interaction, which further enriches the complex interaction between particles. In the eyes of physicists, these interactions are not only the embodiment of the laws of physics, but also an important window into the mysteries of the universe.

The mystery of the intensity of the interaction

When describing the strength of interactions between particles, physicists have introduced the fine structure constant as an important parameter. It not only reflects the strength of the electromagnetic interaction, but is also related to the energy of the particle, which determines many processes in quantum electrodynamics. For example, the intensity of electron-electron scattering is controlled by the fine structure constant, and the value of this parameter is precise and stable in nature.

The opposite of the electromagnetic force is the strong nuclear force, which binds the quarks together to form nucleons. The strong coupling constant is a parameter that describes the strength of this force, which increases with increasing energy, in contrast to electromagnetic interactions. Not only are these constants theoretically crucial, but their experimental determination also provides us with valuable information about how nature behaves under extreme conditions.

The stealthy dance of neutrinos and quarks

Neutrinos, this mysterious particle, are known for their fact that they barely interact with matter. However, neutrinos can be converted into each other by mixing, a phenomenon described by four parameters: three mixing angles and a CP destruction phase. These parameters determine how neutrinos oscillate from one type to another, enriching our understanding of particle physics.

Similar to neutrino mixing, quarks also have a mixing phenomenon. The quark mixture is described by three angles and a CP destruction complex, which control the quark changes under the action of weak nuclear forces. These parameters are not only crucial for understanding quark behavior, but also key to exploring the physical puzzle of CP destruction.

The unknown fate of the universe

The fate of the universe seems to have been dictated by a mysterious parameter – the cosmological constant. This parameter is linked to dark energy, which causes the expansion of the universe to be accelerating. The nature and effects of dark energy are a major mystery in modern cosmology, and the magnitude and nature of the cosmological constant are key to solving this mystery. In the future, as science advances, we may need more parameters to describe dark energy and its impact on the future of the universe.

The web of parameters and the future of the universe

These 26 physical parameters, like a delicate network, capture the diversity and complexity of the universe. They are the building blocks of our understanding of the universe, from the microscopic particles to the macrocosm, all under the laws of these parameters. However, science is always exploring the unknown, and we acknowledge the limitations of current knowledge and look forward to new breakthroughs in the future, leading to more complete and unified theories, perhaps when there will be fewer parameters needed to explain the universe and our understanding of the universe will be deeper.