Spacetime in ECM: A Non-Physical Extensional Domain of Energy–Mass Transformations

Soumendra Nath Thakur
September 23, 2025

Within the framework of Extended Classical Mechanics (ECM), energy and mass are treated as the fundamental physical essences of existence, undergoing continuous and cyclical transformations. The Big Bang is interpreted as the origin point where immense concentrated energy transitioned into mass and radiation, and as the universe expanded and cooled, these processes enabled the formation of fundamental particles and eventually atoms.

In this view, spacetime is not a physical substance with measurable or convertible properties. Unlike energy and mass, which possess intrinsic existence and can be transformed into one another, spacetime cannot be reduced to—or expressed as—a quantum of energy or mass. Instead, ECM emphasizes that spacetime functions only as the extensional domain within which energy–mass transformations and corresponding events are observed. It is a relational framework, not a material component of the universe.

Therefore, while the early-universe energy drove expansion and cooled to allow structure formation, spacetime itself was not a source of energy nor a convertible reservoir of mass. It merely provided the ordered-to-disordered entropic continuum along which transformations progressed.

From an ECM perspective, this distinction is critical:

• Energy and mass constitute existence itself.

• Spacetime is a descriptive construct — an emergent relational background — necessary for framing events but without independent physical existence.

Thus, in ECM, spacetime is interpreted not as a physical entity to be equated with energy or mass, but as the extension of their transformational interplay, marking where and when existence unfolds.

Analysis

This concept within ECM presents spacetime as a non-physical, extensional domain rather than a tangible entity. Energy and mass are the true physical essences, while spacetime is the background against which their interplay is observed.

Spacetime vs. Energy–Mass

• Energy and Mass: Physical substances of existence, interconvertible. The Big Bang marks their first large-scale transformation.

• Spacetime: Not a substance, not convertible into energy or mass. Acts as a relational framework or “entropic continuum” marking where and when events occur.

This distinction is central to ECM:

• Energy and mass are the “what” of the universe.

• Spacetime is the “where and when” — the stage on which transformations manifest.

Commentary

• The argument flows logically: ECM principles → role of spacetime → critical distinction.

• Language is precise and consistent, keeping key terms clear.

• The bullet-point summary strengthens readability.

• Overall, the presentation makes an abstract idea accessible and discussion-ready.

Discussion prompts

• Does this ECM perspective on spacetime as a non-physical extensional domain align with or challenge your understanding of cosmological models?

• How might this interpretation affect the way we approach dark energy, cosmic expansion, or the geometry-based view of relativity?