Quantum Atom Theory: A Phase-Based Conceptual Framework for Time, Gravity, and Causality

Quantum Atom Theory: A Phase-Based Framework for Time, Gravity, and Causality

“This work preserves standard equations but reinterprets their physical meaning.”

Nick Harvey
Independent researcher

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Abstract

Quantum Atom Theory (QAT) proposes that time, inertia, gravity, and charge emerge from a single underlying physical process: the irreversible exchange of phase through photon–electron interactions. Rather than treating gravity as a fundamental force or spacetime as a pre-existing arena, QAT describes a universe in which spherical wave geometry, phase delay, and probabilistic interaction collectively generate causal order, inverse-square laws, and the arrow of time. This paper presents a coherent conceptual framework linking QAT to established principles including Huygens’ Principle, Einstein’s relativity, Mach’s principle, Dirac’s Large Number Hypothesis, statistical entropy, and the principles of least time and least action.

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1. Introduction

Modern physics successfully describes nature using quantum mechanics and general relativity, yet the conceptual foundations of time, gravity, and inertia remain unresolved. Gravity resists quantization, time lacks a microscopic definition, and inertia is often postulated rather than derived. Quantum Atom Theory addresses these gaps by reinterpreting known physics through a unifying geometrical and dynamical process rooted in phase evolution.

QAT does not reject standard equations; instead, it offers a reinterpretation of their physical meaning. The theory is grounded in the idea that phase exchange is the fundamental physical event, and that macroscopic laws emerge statistically from this microscopic process.

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2. Emergence of Time from Interaction

In QAT, time is not a background parameter but an emergent quantity arising from irreversible phase exchange. Every photon–electron interaction introduces a finite delay associated with absorption and re-emission. This delay accumulates, producing a local arrow of time.

Between every cause and effect lies a photon–electron coupling. Each interaction forms a tiny sphere of possibility — geometrically represented as a Bloch sphere. A point on its surface corresponds to a coherent quantum state defined by phase and probability. Photon polarization and electron spin share this same spherical geometry, indicating that light and matter are two expressions of one process.

As interactions proceed, coherence is gradually lost to the environment. The Bloch vector shrinks inward, representing increasing entropy. Time advances as quantum possibilities collapse into classical facts.

Minimal relation:
$\mathrm{\Delta }E\mathrm{\Delta }t\gtrsim \mathrm{\hslash }$

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3. Huygens’ Principle and Spherical Geometry

Huygens’ Principle states that every point on a wavefront acts as a source of secondary spherical waves. QAT adopts this principle as fundamental: spherical wave geometry is the natural consequence of phase propagation in an isotropic universe.

Spherical wavefronts define equal-phase surfaces. The inverse-square law emerges directly from geometry, as interaction density spreads over a surface area proportional to $4\pi {\mathrm{r^}}^2$. This geometry underlies electromagnetic radiation, quantum probability distributions, and gravitational behavior.

Minimal relation:
$I\propto \frac{\mathrm{1/}}{4\pi {\mathrm{r^}}^{\mathrm{2 }}}$

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4. Phase Delay Fields and Gravity

A massive object is not a source of force but a phase-delay field. The internal complexity of matter — sustained photon–electron interactions — slows phase propagation locally. This creates concentric spherical phase surfaces with increasing delay toward the center.

Motion follows phase gradients. Objects accelerate toward regions of greater phase delay, producing what is observed as gravitational attraction. Gravity is thus a secondary, collective phenomenon, not a fundamental interaction.

Because phase gradients are spherically distributed, gravitational acceleration obeys the inverse-square law naturally.

Minimal relation:
$\mathrm{\nabla }\varphi \to \mathrm{a }$

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5. Inertia and Newton’s Laws

 In uniform motion, a system carries its internal phase structure with it. With no external phase gradients imposed, no acceleration occurs. This yields Newton’s First Law: an object in motion remains in motion unless acted upon by an external interaction.

Inertia arises as resistance to changes in phase structure. Applying a force requires reconfiguring internal phase relationships, which manifests as resistance proportional to mass.

Newton’s Second Law follows directly:

Minimal relation:

$F=m\mathrm{a }$

$\mathrm{where\; acceleration\; is\; the\; response\; to\; an\; imposed\; phase\; gradient.}$

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6. Mach’s Principle and the Role of the Universe

In QAT, phase gradients are meaningful only relative to a larger environment. Local inertia and gravity are defined with respect to the collective phase background of the universe.

This naturally incorporates Mach’s principle: the distribution of mass-energy in the universe determines local inertial frames. The inverse-square geometry links every object, however weakly, to the rest of the cosmos.

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7. Dirac’s Large Numbers and Cosmological Scaling

Dirac observed striking numerical relationships between atomic and cosmological constants. QAT interprets these not as coincidences but as consequences of a single universal phase process operating across scales.

Local phase delays (atoms) and global phase structure (cosmos) are expressions of the same geometry. The universe may be understood as a sphere of probability, with local interactions nested within a global phase framework.

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8. Entropy, Probability, and the Arrow of Time

Phase exchange is inherently statistical. Each interaction disperses phase information into a larger number of degrees of freedom, increasing entropy.

The arrow of time emerges from this irreversibility. While microscopic laws are time-symmetric, macroscopic phase accumulation is not.

Minimal relation:
$\mathrm{\Delta }S\ge \mathrm{0 }$

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9. Least Time and Least Action

Paths taken by systems correspond to extremal phase accumulation. Light follows paths of least time because these paths minimize total phase delay. Matter follows paths of least action for the same reason.

Both principles emerge from the same requirement: Phase propagates spherically. Interactions occur where accumulated phase delay is extremal. Paths emerge statistically from these interaction points.

Minimal relation:
$\delta S=\mathrm{0 }$

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10. Relation to Relativity

Einstein’s relativity describes how clocks and rulers behave in gravitational fields. QAT provides a microscopic explanation: time dilation occurs because phase exchange is slowed by interaction density.

Light bending near massive objects arises because phase surfaces tilt, not because photons experience force. Curved spacetime is an effective description of underlying phase geometry.

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11. Antimatter and Causal Closure

In QAT, antimatter annihilation represents the closure of a phase history. These events release energy completely, leaving no residual structure to seed future phase accumulation.

Matter supports forward phase continuation; annihilation completes causal loops. This interpretation preserves known physics while offering insight into time asymmetry.

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12. Conclusion

Quantum Atom Theory presents a unified conceptual framework in which time, gravity, inertia, and causality emerge from irreversible phase exchange governed by spherical geometry. By grounding physics in interaction rather than force, QAT aligns with and extends established principles while avoiding the need for speculative entities.

The universe, in this view, is not constructed from particles moving through spacetime, but from phase relationships unfolding probabilistically, one interaction at a time.

References: Unified kinematic picture