Phase Distortion vs. Propagating Shift
An interactive exploration of Extended Classical Mechanics (ECM) and its clarification on the nature of time, moving from abstract geometry to material oscillation.
The Central Conflict
ECM challenges the relativistic concept of "Time Dilation" by proposing a physically grounded alternative: "Time Distortion."
Relativistic Time Dilation
- Suggests that time itself stretches or slows down as an intrinsic property of the universe.
- Caused by the curvature of a unified spacetime fabric due to mass and energy.
- A geometric effect where observers in different frames of reference measure time differently.
- ECM argues this is an abstraction divorced from the physical behavior of measuring devices (clocks).
ECM's Time Distortion
- Asserts that time as a dimension is stable; what changes is the rate of local oscillators.
- Caused by physical "phase disruption" in an oscillator due to external interference (thermal, kinematic, gravitational).
- A material effect on the internal dynamics of a physical system, not a change in the fabric of time.
- This is quantifiable and directly relates to the measurable drift seen in systems like GPS.
The Equation of Time Distortion
ECM quantifies time distortion with a direct relationship between phase, frequency, and time. Use the sliders below to see how external interference affecting an oscillator's phase and frequency leads to a measurable time distortion (Δt).
Resulting Time Distortion (Δt)
0.0000 s
Tdeg = x° / (360° * f) = Δt
Visualizing Phase Distortion
ECM's Foundational Concepts
Time distortion isn't an isolated idea. It's rooted in ECM's redefinition of mass and energy.
Apparent Mass (Mᵃᵖᵖ)
A dynamic mass component accounting for effects like dark matter and dark energy, modifying gravitational interactions.
Effective Mass (Mᵉᶠᶠ)
The total mass influencing motion (Mᵉᶠᶠ = Mᴍ + Mᵃᵖᵖ). It modifies Newton's second law and allows for repulsive gravitational effects.
Gravitational Potential
In ECM, differences in gravitational potential (defined by effective mass) are a primary source of the "external phase interference" that causes time distortion.
A Critical Distinction
ECM argues that conflating phase distortion with redshift is a "categorical error."
Phase Distortion
- Domain: Affects timing within a localized, bounded oscillatory system (e.g., an atom in a clock).
- Mechanism: Alters the internal dynamics and phase of the oscillator itself.
- Cause: Direct external influence like heat, motion, or gravitational field gradients on the oscillator.
Redshift / Blueshift
- Domain: Affects the frequency of a propagating wave (e.g., a photon of light) traveling through space.
- Mechanism: An energy-frequency shift that occurs while the wave is in transit.
- Cause: Relative motion (Doppler effect) or the wave moving through a gravitational potential.
In Summary: Phase distortion happens to a clock. Redshift happens to a light beam. According to ECM, they are fundamentally different physical processes.