Speed of Energy – Charge Admittance

The Speed of ElectroMagnetic Energy—Reinterpreted via Charge Admittance

Abstract

This work reexamines the speed of light, cc, through the framework of Charge Admittance (CA), challenging its status as an immutable universal constant. Building on Maxwell’s formulation c=1/√ε₀μ₀, we propose that the permittivity ε0 and permeability μ0 of space are not fixed but vary with local field conditions. As such, the speed of energy propagation is not invariant but modulated by the electromagnetic character of space. We confront three key misconceptions: (1) the constancy of c, (2) its interpretation as a universal speed limit, and (3) its presumed invariance in vacuum. This model incorporates insights from gravitational gradients, zero-point energy (ZPE), and Planck-scale constraints, proposing a dynamic, field-responsive universe where cc is emergent, not fundamental.

Introduction

The speed of light in vacuum is set by SI convention at exactly 299,792,458 m/s. Yet, this value is not the result of universal measurement, but of definitional fixity. The Charge Admittance model proposes that c is better understood as a derived quantity:

$c = \frac{1}{\sqrt{\varepsilon_0 \mu_0}}$

If ε₀μ₀ vary with gravitational field, energy density, or quantum noise, then so too must c. This interpretation invites a return to first-principles analysis of space as a dynamic medium.

Historical Evolution: Early Attempts and Observations

Galileo Galilei: Proposed that light had a finite speed, introducing the question of energy propagation velocity.

Ole Rømer: Measured delays in Jupiter’s moons, yielding the first empirical estimate of c.

James Clerk Maxwell: Unified electricity and magnetism, deriving:

$c^2 = \frac{1}{\varepsilon_0 \mu_0}$

This foundational insight linked c to material properties of the electromagnetic vacuum.

Albert Einstein: In 1905,Einstein embedded c into the fabric of spacetime. Yet, his later work in general relativity allowed that gravitational fields affect energy behavior, foreshadowing the CA view.

Misconceptions About the Speed of Light

Constancy of c

Claim: Relativity asserts c is universally constant.

Rebuttal: If ε₀ and μ₀ vary, then c must follow. Experimental results (e.g., Pound-Rebka) suggest gravitational potential influences electromagnetic propagation.

$\Delta f \propto g$

Speed Limit

Claim: c is is the fastest possible speed.

Rebuttal: In the CA model, the effective speed of energy can vary with environmental field density—potentially exceeding c0 in intergalactic or ultra-void conditions.

Universality in Vacuum

Claim: “Vacuum” c is invariant.

Rebuttal: The quantum vacuum includes ZPE fluctuations, meaning the vacuum has nonzero electromagnetic properties and therefore context-sensitive admittance.

Impedance and Admittance View

The impedance of free space is:

$Z_0 = \sqrt{\frac{\mu_0}{\varepsilon_0}} \approx 376.73\,\Omega$

The admittance (energy transmission efficiency) is:

$Y_0 = \frac{1}{Z_0}$

Admittance governs the “transparency” of space to propagating energy. Regions with low field density can exhibit higher c due to reduced reactive drag.

Gravitational and Planck-Scale Effects

We define a gravitational field gradient acting on field parameters:

$G_v = -\frac{d(\varepsilon_0 \mu_0)}{dx}$

This gradient correlates with altitude (or gravitational potential), implying that gravitational fields influence the speed of light not by warping spacetime but by modifying the local energy admittance.

At Planck densities, charge proximity leads to electromagnetic collapse:

$\lambda_{\text{min}} \approx \lambda_{\text{Planck}} \Rightarrow \text{photon dipole collapse}$

This aligns with phenomena near black holes, suggesting the event horizon is an admittance boundary.

Proposed Speed Limits

Lower Bound: Collapse via Charge Density

Charge dipoles at extremely short wavelengths cannot maintain coherence. They arc, merge, or annihilate:

$\lambda \to \lambda_{\text{Planck}} \Rightarrow c \to 0$

Upper Bound: Coherence Fails in Sparse Fields

Long-wavelength energy fails to maintain dipole coupling above the vacuum noise floor:

$\lambda_{\text{max}} \Rightarrow q_{\text{signal}}(\lambda) < q_{\text{vacuum}}$

$c_{\text{lim, max}} \to \infty \quad \text{(undetectable, decoherent)}$

This defines the Entanglement Horizon—the distance beyond which coherent quantum coupling is lost.

Experimental and Modeling Directions

Finite Element Approximation (FEA)

Using small increments Δx, the rate of change of c can be modeled:

$\frac{dc}{dx} = \frac{c(x + \Delta x) - c(x)}{\Delta x}$

A Python model can simulate these effects using values of ε₀ scaled by exponentials (e.g., Euler’s number) to explore upper and lower asymptotic behavior.

Conclusion

The Charge Admittance model reframes the speed of energy as a material response, not a universal invariant. By contextualizing c as the outcome of variable field impedance, we unify electromagnetic and gravitational interpretations without invoking spacetime curvature. This dynamic perspective opens novel interpretations of redshift, entanglement, black holes, and quantum coherence.

Implications and Future Directions

Variable c: Tied to field properties, not fundamental constants.
No Absolute Vacuum: ZPE establishes a minimum electromagnetic field density.
Technological Applications: Circuit design, antenna theory already leverage variable ε₀μ₀; CA extends this to cosmology.
Standard Earth Electromagnetic Parameter (SEEP): Proposed reference for defining Earth-local ε₀μ₀.