[Paper Review] Negative mass

Richard T. Hammond|arXiv (Cornell University)|Aug 6, 2013

Quantum and Classical Electrodynamics3 references4 citations

TL;DR

This paper investigates the theoretical implications of negative mass in general relativity and quantum mechanics, analyzing unusual phenomena such as penetration through any material, violation of cosmic censorship, and exotic spacetime structures like wormholes and naked singularities. The key contribution lies in identifying how negative mass could enable paradoxical dynamics, including negative mass chasing positive mass, and in exploring its potential role in string theory.

ABSTRACT

Some physical aspects of negative mass are examined. Several unusual properties, such as the ability of negative mass to penetrate any armor, are analyzed. Other surprising effects include the bizarre system of negative mass chasing positive pass, naked singularities and the violation of cosmic censorship, wormholes, and quantum mechanical results as well. In addition, a brief look into the implications for strings is given.

Motivation & Objective

• To examine the physical consequences of negative mass in relativistic and quantum frameworks.
• To analyze paradoxical behaviors such as negative mass chasing positive mass.
• To investigate the formation of naked singularities and violation of cosmic censorship in the presence of negative mass.
• To assess the implications of negative mass for higher-dimensional theories, particularly string theory.

Proposed method

• Applying general relativity to systems involving both positive and negative mass particles.
• Analyzing geodesic motion and energy conditions to identify unstable or counterintuitive trajectories.
• Using thought experiments to model interactions between negative and positive mass.
• Examining the stress-energy tensor and its violation of standard energy conditions to explore exotic spacetime geometries.
• Extending results to higher-dimensional models to assess compatibility with string theory.
• Evaluating quantum mechanical effects arising from negative mass fields.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 How do negative mass particles behave under gravitational attraction to positive mass bodies?
• RQ2 What conditions lead to the formation of naked singularities when negative mass is present?
• RQ3 Can negative mass systems violate cosmic censorship, and what are the implications for causality?
• RQ4 How do negative mass particles interact in a relativistic framework, particularly in terms of momentum and energy conservation?
• RQ5 What are the implications of negative mass for the stability and structure of wormholes?

Key findings

• Negative mass can penetrate any material armor due to its repulsive gravitational interaction with positive mass.
• Negative mass systems can exhibit the counterintuitive behavior of chasing positive mass, defying classical expectations.
• The presence of negative mass can lead to the formation of naked singularities, violating cosmic censorship.
• Negative mass may enable traversable wormholes by stabilizing their throats through exotic stress-energy conditions.
• Negative mass introduces inconsistencies in standard energy conditions, challenging classical energy theorems.
• Preliminary analysis suggests that negative mass could play a role in string theory, though full compatibility remains speculative.