21 October 2024

Assessing the Financial Impact of Insurance Premiums: A Comparative Analysis of Payouts and Alternative Investment Returns

Soumendra Nath Thakur
21-10-2024

Abstract:

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the financial impact of an insurance policy with a 15-year term, specifically focusing on the relationship between premium contributions and insurer payouts, as well as comparing these to alternative investment options like fixed deposits. The policy in question involves a 7-year premium payment period, followed by a 9-year gap before payouts commence, with the insurer providing 126.94% of the annual premium as payouts for the final 7 years, alongside a Rs. 14,000 bonus. The findings reveal that the insurance policy primarily serves to return the premiums paid, with modest gains only occurring in the final two years.

A comparative analysis with fixed deposits at a 7.1% interest rate shows that investing the total premiums paid would result in significantly higher returns. By the end of the 15-year term, the cumulative payout from the policy, including the bonus, falls short of what could have been earned from a fixed deposit. While the policyholder would receive a total of Rs. 34,972 from the insurer’s payouts, a fixed deposit investment would yield Rs. 21,089.66 more by the same maturity date.

Ultimately, the study concludes that the financial growth offered by this insurance policy is minimal. The primary benefit is the life insurance coverage provided, rather than substantial financial returns. The research highlights that alternative investment options, such as fixed deposits or Public Provident Fund (PPF), offer better financial growth and greater protection against inflation. Therefore, for those seeking financial growth, these alternatives are more attractive than the insurance policy under analysis.

Keywords: Insurance premiums, financial returns, fixed deposits, Alternative investments, Inflation impact, Smart Income Plus, IRDAI,

Description:

The insurance premium payment term is 7 years, during which annual premium payments of Rs. 18,434 (including applicable taxes) are made. After the final premium payment in the 7th year, there is a 2-year gap before the insurer begins annual payouts to the insured. For the remaining 7 years of the total 15-year insurance coverage, the insurer will pay out an amount equivalent to 126.94% of the respective annual premiums paid, along with an additional bonus Rs.14,000+. The final payout will occur in the 15th year (Maturity Date: 15-Sep-2031).

Policy Details:

• Policy No. C******205
• Policy Issue Date: 15/09/2016
• Maturity Date: 15/09/2031
• Policy Term: 15 Years
• Premium Paying Term: 7 Years
• Policy Status: Active Paid Up
• Annual Premium Amount: Rs. 18,434
• Total Premiums Paid to Date: Rs. 129,038
• Last Premium Amount (including Tax): Rs. 18,405 on 12-09-2022
• Last Premium Due Date: 15-09-2022
• Last Premium Payment Date: 15-09-2022
• Maturity Date: 15-Sep-2031
• Policy Option: Regular Income

• From the Policy Issue Date (15/09/2016) to the last premium due date (15-09-2022), the next premium gaps will be on 15-09-2023 and 15-09-2024. This timeline accounts for a total of 9 years (7 years of premium payments plus 2-year gap).

• As of now, there has been no payout from the insurer on 15-09-2024. Given the maturity date of 15/09/2031, it appears the insurer may begin the first payout on 15-09-2025, continuing with 7 annual payouts until the maturity date, including the bonus amount.

• This implies that the first payout will occur after 9 years from the policy issue date (15/09/2016).

Therefore, the difference lies in the context and interpretation of the percentage increase:

1. Percentage Calculation: When we say that Rs. 23,400 is 126.94% of Rs. 18,434, this reflects a straightforward percentage calculation without considering the time factor or interest rate. It simply shows how much Rs. 23,400 exceeds Rs. 18,434 in percentage terms.

2. Simple Interest Rate:  In contrast, when considering the annual simple interest rate for the same principal payment of Rs. 18,434 over 9 years, which leads to a payout of Rs. 23,400, the rate calculated is approximately 2.99% per annum. This reflects a different method of calculating interest that does not account for compounding effects.

3. Compound Interest Calculation: Additionally, the calculation of the annual compound interest rate—where the principal payment of Rs. 18,434 grows to a total payout of Rs. 23,400  over 9 years—results in an interest rate of approximately 2.66% per annum. This calculation accounts for the effect of compounding over time, emphasizing how interest accumulates.

In summary:

 • The first statement focuses on the percentage representation of Rs. 23,400 relative to Rs. 18,434 without regard to time or interest.

• The second and third statements explore the growth of the principal amount over time through different interest calculation methods—simple and compound—highlighting how the nature of interest calculations impacts the resulting rates."

Mira, aged 47 years opts for Insurance Plan for a Policy Term of 15 years and Premium Payment Term of 7 years and Pays an annualised premium of Rs. 18,434 p.a., Receives Guaranteed Annual Payout for 7 years commencing from the end of 9th policy year.

At the end of 9th Policy Year, he received Guaranteed Payouts of 126.94% of annualised premiums is Rs. 23,400 each, for the next 7 years.

The 26.94% gain on each premiums of Rs.18,434 in completion of 9 years (Gain = Rs. 23,400 - Rs. 18,434) is Rs. 4,996, and so for 7 premiums the total gain (4,996 x 7) is Rs. 34,972. Therefore, total premiums paid in 7 years is Rs. 1,29,038 and total payouts in 7 years will be Rs. 1,63,800 excluding bonus of Rs. 14,000+

Payout period:

To calculate the percentage of simple gains for each annual premium over the payout period, we first need to clarify the information and assumptions:

1. Annual Premium Amount: The insured pays an annual premium of Rs. 18,434 for 7 years.
2. Total Premiums Paid: Rs. 18,434 × 7 = Rs. 1,29,038.
3. Final Payout Amount: Rs. 23,400 per year for 7 years starting after 9 years from the first premium payment.
4. Total Payout Period: 7 years (payout years).
5. Total Gain from Each Annual Premium: Rs. 23,400 - Rs. 18,434 = Rs. 4,966 per year.

Calculate Simple Gain Percentage

The percentage gain for each annual premium can be calculated as follows:

Percentage Gain = (Gain/Premium Paid) × 100

Using the numbers:

• Gain = Rs. 4,966 (Total gain per premium)
• Premium Paid = Rs. 18,434
Percentage Gain = (4,966/18,434) × 100 ≈ 26.96%
 

Summary Table

Payout     Annual_Payouts      Annual_%Gain      Total_Balance  %Gain on Rs. 18,434 (7yrs)

1                  23,400                    26.96%                   23,400                    26.96%
2                  23,400                    26.96%                   46,800                    26.96%
3                  23,400                    26.96%                   70,200                    26.96%
4                  23,400                    26.96%                   93,600                    26.96%
5                  23,400                    26.96%                   1,17,000                 26.96%
6                  23,400                    26.96%                   1,40,400                 26.96%
7                  23,400                    26.96%                   1,63,800                 26.96%

Explanation:

Annual_Payouts: This column shows the fixed annual payout amount that the insurer provides after the initial 9 years.
Annual_%Gain: The percentage gain for each annual payout is calculated, reflecting a consistent gain of approximately 26.96% relative to the annual premium paid.
Total_Balance (Rs.): This column reflects the cumulative total of payouts received after each payout year, indicating how much the insured has accumulated over the years.
%Gain on Rs. 18,434  (7yrs): This percentage highlights the gain from the annual payouts based on the initial premium amount of Rs. 18,434.

Premiums Paid and Payout Table:

                                                                                                                Balance with

Years    Dates    Pemiums(Rs)  PayOut(Rs)  Bonus  Total_Balance   Interst (7.1%).  Inflaton@7%

1        15-09-2016    18,434    0                      0        18,434              18434.00            --
2        15-09-2017    18,434    0                      0        36,868              39485.63           1290.38
3        15-09-2018    18,434    0                      0        55,302              61846.07           2580.76
4        15-09-2019    18,434    0                      0        73,736              85515.33           3871.14
5        15-09-2020    18,434    0                      0        92,170              110493.40         5161.52
6        15-09-2021    18,434    0                      0        110,604           136780.28         6451.90
7        15-09-2022    18,434    0                      0        129,038           164375.98         7742.28
8        15-09-2023    0              0                      0        129,038           173537.68         9032.66
9        15-09-2024    0              0                      0        129,038           182699.37         9032.66
10      15-09-2025    0             23,400            0        105,638           166799.67         9032.66
11      15-09-2026    0             23,400            0        82,238             149238.57         7394.66
12      15-09-2027    0             23,400            0        58,838             130016.07         5756.66
13      15-09-2028    0             23,400            0        35,438             109132.17         4118.66
14      15-09-2029    0             23,400            0        12,038             86586.86           2480.66
15      15-09-2030    0             23,400            0        -11,362           62380.16           842.66
16      15-09-2031    0             23,400        14400  -49,162           21089.66             --

                                                                                                                                             74789.26

Explanation of Premiums Paid and Payout Table:

Premiums (Rs.): This column shows the fixed annual premium of Rs. 18,434 that the insured paid for the initial 7 years, accumulating to a total balance of Rs. 129,038 by the end of 9 years.
Payout (Rs.): This column represents the fixed annual payout of Rs. 23,400 that the insurer will provide to the insured, beginning in the 10th year. The payouts continue for 7 years, covering the period from the 10th to the 16th year of the policy.
Initially, the payouts for years 10–14 will effectively return the premiums paid by the insured. The total premium paid, Rs. 129,038, will be fully covered by the insurer’s payouts within this period.

It is only in the 15th and 16th year that the payout exceeds the total premiums paid, with the insurer covering an additional Rs. 49,162, including a bonus of Rs. 14,400. This suggests that the majority of the payouts are simply a return of the premiums, with limited financial gain coming in the last two years from the total premiums paid by insured.

• Comparison of Cumulative Annual Inflation of Paid Premiums:

The 'Inflation@7%' column represents the cumulative impact of inflation on the premiums paid over the policy term, calculated at an assumed average annual inflation rate of 7%. This inflation-adjusted column shows how the real value of the premiums erodes over time, accumulating to a total loss of Rs. 74,789.26 by the end of the 15th year. Given the historical average inflation rate in India, the policyholder's total premium payments will effectively lose Rs. 74,789.26 in purchasing power by 15-09-2031, diminishing the real financial value of the premiums paid. Therefore, despite the nominal payouts and bonus offered by the policy, the cumulative inflation-adjusted loss significantly affects the overall financial outcome, reducing the true worth of the insured’s contributions over the policy’s term.

Comparison to Market Returns: By the end of the 16th year, the total amount paid out by the insurer—including the bonus—will not exceed the returns that would have been earned on the premiums had they been invested in a standard fixed deposit (FD) account at an interest rate of 7.1% (a typical rate offered by Indian banks). Based on FD interest, the total accumulation on Rs. 129,038 would surpass the payouts and bonus from the insurer by Rs. 21,089.66.

Conclusion: This suggests that, financially, the insurance policy offers little benefit beyond the basic return of premiums and a small bonus. In comparison, a Public Provident Fund (PPF) or senior citizen FD account would yield significantly better returns. The minimal financial advantage, combined with the limited bonus and payout structure, implies that the policy’s true value lies in the insurance coverage rather than providing meaningful financial growth.

Conclusion:


The insurance policy's financial structure and impact become evident through a detailed analysis of the premium contributions over seven years, compared to the eventual payouts by the insurer. The policyholder consistently contributes Rs. 18,434 annually for seven years, totalling Rs. 129,038 by the end of the ninth year. However, when compared to investing this amount in a fixed deposit account with a 7.1% interest rate, the balance would grow to Rs. 182,699.37 by the end of the same period, far surpassing the insurer's total payouts of Rs. 23,400 annually.


The insurer’s financial contribution appears relatively modest, as the majority of payouts essentially function as a return of the premiums, with only a small bonus added toward the end. It is only during the 15th and final years of the policy that the payouts marginally exceed the total premiums paid, offering a modest gain. However, this gain pales in comparison to the returns that could have been achieved through low-risk investment alternatives such as fixed deposits or the Public Provident Fund (PPF), both of which provide substantially higher returns over the same period.


When factoring in inflation, the policy’s financial benefits appear even less attractive. The cumulative inflation-adjusted loss significantly erodes the real value of the premiums paid, diminishing the policyholder's purchasing power over the policy term. Despite a nominal gain in the final years, the inflationary pressures and opportunity cost of choosing this policy over more lucrative, low-risk investments further diminish its financial appeal.


In conclusion, the policy's real value lies in the life insurance coverage it provides, rather than any significant monetary growth. The analysis shows that while the policy may offer some security, its financial utility is limited, with alternative investments offering better returns and greater protection against inflation. Ultimately, the policy serves more as a means of insurance protection rather than a tool for financial growth.


#Insurancepremiums, #financialreturns, #fixeddeposits, #alternativeinvestments, #Inflationimpact, #SmartIncomePlus, #IRDAI

19 October 2024

Distinction between the Big Bang, Planck Time, and the Onset of Cosmic Inflation:


Soumendra Nath Thakur
19-10-2024

Abstract:

This paper explores the critical distinctions between the Big Bang, Planck time, and the onset of cosmic inflation, elucidating their significance in the evolution of the universe. The Big Bang event, occurring at t=0, marks the origin of time and space, while Planck time (t=5.3912 ×10⁻⁴⁴ seconds) serves as the earliest point for meaningful discussion of these dimensions. The temporal inequality between these two moments indicates a fundamental change in the universe's physical state, even if the specifics remain beyond empirical reach. Following the Big Bang, cosmic inflation is theorized to have lasted approximately 10⁻³² seconds, commencing shortly after the Planck time. This inflationary period underscores the non-eternal nature of time and space, which emerged alongside the universe's expansion rather than existing prior to it.

Furthermore, this study aligns the modern understanding of time and space with Newton's perspective, which posited these dimensions as absolute and independent. While Newton's framework suggests an eternal existence of time and space, the current cosmological view reveals their emergence as tied to significant cosmic events. Consequently, both time and space are recognized as products of specific occurrences following the Big Bang, leading to the conclusion that the universe, in its entirety, is not eternal, but rather a result of its own dynamic evolution. This analysis highlights the transition from abstract concepts of time and space to their concrete implications in the physical reality of the cosmos.

Keywords: Big Bang, Planck Time, Emergence, Newtonian Perspective, Cosmic Inflation,

Cosmic inflation is theorized to have lasted for approximately 10³² seconds, beginning shortly after the Planck time (t=5.3912 × 10⁴⁴ seconds) rather than immediately at the moment of the Big Bang. The exact onset of cosmic inflation remains uncertain, but the Planck time serves as a crucial benchmark for understanding the universe’s transition into the inflationary phase.

The moment of the Big Bang (t=0) and the Planck time (t=5.3912 × 10⁴⁴ seconds) represent distinct stages in the evolution of the universe. The inequality in time between these two points indicates a fundamental change in the physical state, even though the precise nature of this change between t=0 and the Planck time remains beyond current empirical understanding. This transition highlights a shift in the underlying structure of existence, albeit imperceptible, as the universe moves from the Big Bang event to the Planck epoch.

Given the inflationary nature of the early universe, any changes within this interval between the Big Bang and the Planck time cannot be regarded as identical to the state of the universe at t=0. Therefore, the distinct existential states associated with t=0 (the Big Bang) and t=5.3912 × 10⁴⁴ seconds (Planck time) must be acknowledged due to the inequality in time.

Since the Planck time represents the smallest meaningful unit of time, any events occurring within intervals shorter than this are considered physically meaningless in current theoretical frameworks. Therefore, while inflation may conceptually be traced back to t=0, the nature of the Planck time compels us to define the inflationary period as occurring between the Planck time and approximately 10³² seconds. As a result, the duration of cosmic inflation can be understood as extending from the Big Bang to 10³² seconds, with meaningful physical interpretation beginning only at the Planck time.

Key Points of the Analysis:

• Distinct Phases: The Big Bang (at t=0) and Planck time (at t=5.3912 × 10⁻⁴⁴ seconds) mark separate stages in the evolution of the universe.

• Temporal Inequality: The time difference between these two events signifies a fundamental change in the physical state of the universe.

• Inflationary Dynamics: Cosmic inflation, theorized to last approximately 10⁻³² seconds, began shortly after Planck time.

• Planck Time as a Boundary: The Planck time represents the smallest meaningful unit of time, constraining our ability to describe events that occurred prior to it.

• Emergence of Time and Space: This paper supports the modern understanding that time and space emerged concurrently with the universe, rather than existing beforehand.

Additional Insights:

• Newtonian Perspective: The comparison of the Newtonian view of absolute time and space with modern cosmological interpretations offers valuable context for understanding the evolution of these fundamental concepts.

• Implications for the Universe: The analysis emphasizes the non-eternal nature of the universe, highlighting that both time and space originated from specific cosmic events.

1. The difference between the big bang event and Planck Time is 5.3912 ×10⁴⁴ seconds.

The Big Bang occurred at (t=0), and Planck time, which is approximately 5.3912 ×10⁴⁴ seconds, represents the smallest meaningful unit of time in quantum physics. It is the time scale at which quantum gravitational effects are expected to become significant, and it is far smaller than any other time scale in the universe.

2. The cosmic inflation since the beginning of the universe lasted about 10³² seconds

Cosmic inflation is theorized to have occurred around 10³² seconds after the Big Bang, a much larger time period compared to the Planck time.

The inequality Planck time 5.3912 ×10⁴⁴ seconds < Cosmic inflation 10³² seconds, is valid because 10³² seconds is indeed much greater than 5.3912 ×10⁴⁴ seconds.

Planck Time 5.3912 ×10⁴⁴ seconds < Cosmic inflation 10³² seconds

3. This means distinct stages in the evolution of the universe: The moment of the Big Bang (t=0) and the Planck time (t=5.3912 × 10⁴⁴ seconds) and the inflationary period as occurring between the Planck time and approximately 10³² seconds.

4. After inflation, the universe continued to expand, but at a much slower rate.

Conclusion:

The beginning of the universe, marked by the Big Bang at t=0, signifies the origin of both time and space. The Planck time (t=5.3912 ×10⁴⁴ seconds) represents the earliest moment at which time and space can be meaningfully described according to current physical theories, highlighting a distinct phase in the universe's evolution. While the specifics of the transition between t=0 and the Planck time remain beyond empirical understanding, this does not invalidate the origin of time and space.

In this context, the Newtonian view of abstract time and space—where time is considered an absolute, continuous flow and space as an infinite, unchanging stage—aligns in a subtle way with the modern interpretation. In Newton’s framework, time and space existed eternally and independently of matter and events. However, the modern cosmological view adjusts this by showing that time and space, while essential frameworks, only emerge meaningfully with the unfolding of the universe from the Big Bang. In other words, though Newton's absolute time and space are abstract concepts, the emergence of time and space in cosmology can be seen as the point where these abstract ideas take on concrete physical meaning, tied to the birth of the universe.

Time and space emerged in connection with events following the Big Bang. At t=0, neither time nor space existed in any practical or empirical sense; they unfolded as the universe expanded and evolved. The origin of space, represented by coordinates x=0, y=0, z=0, is tied to the Big Bang as the initial singularity. However, it is only after the Planck time that meaningful descriptions of space and time can be applied, a refinement of Newton’s idea where abstract time and space begin to "act" only when events occur.

The rapid inflationary expansion of the universe, occurring between the Planck time and approximately 10³² seconds, underscores the non-eternal nature of time and space as understood in modern physics. These dimensions, as we know them, did not pre-exist the Big Bang but instead emerged from the dynamics of the universe following t=0. While Newton’s view suggested time and space as eternal and fixed, the modern perspective situates their emergence with the occurrence of key cosmic events.

Thus, the universe is not eternal in its existence, and both time and space are the result of specific events following the Big Bang. This progression, from the Big Bang to the Planck time and through cosmic inflation, reflects the evolution of the universe from a state of non-existence to a structured framework of time, space, and physical reality. Newton's notion of absolute time and space is echoed in this, as time and space are treated as fundamental aspects of the universe, though modern physics shows their origin is tied directly to the birth of the cosmos.

#BigBang, #Time #Space #PlanckTime, #Emergence, #NewtonianPerspective, #CosmicInflation,

17 October 2024

The Role of Classical Mechanics in Cosmology: Cosmological Constant in General Relativity.

Soumendra Nath Thakur
ORCiD: 0000-0003-1871-7803
Date: 17-10-2024

Abstract
This paper examines the interplay between classical mechanics and cosmology, focusing on the evolution of Einstein's cosmological constant from a tool for maintaining a static universe to its modern reinterpretation as a key component of the ΛCDM model, which accounts for the accelerated expansion of the universe attributed to dark energy. It highlights the significance of negative effective mass and apparent mass within contemporary theories, emphasizing their role in elucidating gravitational dynamics on cosmic scales. The discussion showcases how classical mechanics continues to provide valuable insights into galactic dynamics, large-scale structures, and perturbation theory, even as general relativity remains central to modern cosmological understanding. Ultimately, this synthesis of classical and relativistic mechanics enriches our comprehension of the complex relationships between mass, energy, and events in the cosmos.

Keywords:
Cosmological constant, Dark energy, Negative effective mass, Classical mechanics, General relativity, ΛCDM model, Gravitational dynamics, Galactic interactions, Large-scale structures, Perturbation theory.

Introduction
In 1915, Albert Einstein published his theory of general relativity, fundamentally reshaping our understanding of gravity and the cosmos. Initially, he envisioned a static universe—one that was neither expanding nor contracting. To uphold this static model, he introduced the cosmological constant in 1916, a term designed to counterbalance the gravitational pull of matter, thus preventing the universe from collapsing under its own gravity. By 1917, the cosmological constant had become an integral part of his theory, essential for maintaining the stability of this static universe model.

However, the notion of a static universe faced a pivotal challenge in 1929 when astronomer Edwin Hubble discovered that distant galaxies were receding from one another, indicating that the universe was indeed expanding. This revelation prompted Einstein to reassess his earlier assumptions. Acknowledging that the cosmological constant had been introduced under flawed premises, he famously abandoned it, later referring to it as the "biggest blunder" of his career. With the advent of the expanding universe, the original purpose of the cosmological constant—designed to prevent gravitational collapse—became irrelevant.

Fast forward to 1998, when astronomers uncovered that the universe's expansion was not merely continuing but accelerating, a phenomenon attributed to a mysterious force now known as dark energy. This discovery has led to the re-examination of the cosmological constant as a potential explanation for this accelerated expansion, particularly within the ΛCDM model (Lambda Cold Dark Matter). In this model, the cosmological constant is associated with dark energy, which drives the universe's accelerating expansion.

Notably, the idea of dark energy can be linked to contemporary theories of negative effective mass, where dark energy is treated as a form of potential energy influencing the dynamics of the universe. This reconceptualization underscores the limitations of traditional interpretations and the necessity for a broader understanding of mass-energy relationships in cosmology. The implications of this relationship extend into the realm of classical mechanics, illuminating how classical principles can enrich our comprehension of complex cosmological phenomena.

The Role of Classical Mechanics in Cosmology
While general relativity has become the cornerstone of modern cosmology, classical mechanics continues to play a vital role, particularly in analysing the large-scale structure and dynamics of the universe. Despite the power of general relativity in explaining strong gravitational fields and the curvature of spacetime, classical mechanics offers valuable insights into many aspects of cosmological phenomena.

The Importance of Classical Mechanics in Cosmology
1. Galactic Dynamics: Classical mechanics provides a robust framework for understanding gravitational interactions between galaxies and clusters. In scenarios where gravitational fields are relatively weak, classical mechanics serves as an effective approximation for explaining observed phenomena. This framework can be enriched by acknowledging that events, such as galaxy collisions or mergers, activate shifts in gravitational dynamics, reflecting the interplay between existence and events.

2. Large-Scale Structure: The distribution of galaxies and clusters across vast cosmic distances is often modelled using classical mechanics, incorporating necessary modifications to account for the influence of dark matter and dark energy, particularly as they relate to concepts like negative apparent mass. The emergent structures within the universe can be viewed through the lens of events arising from a pre-existing state, further bridging classical and relativistic perspectives.

3. Perturbation Theory: Classical mechanics plays a crucial role in perturbation theory, a powerful method for studying the evolution of small fluctuations in density and velocity fields. This understanding is essential for explaining how the initial uniformity of the early universe evolved into the large-scale structures we observe today, including galaxies and galaxy clusters. The events that catalyse these fluctuations can be understood as activators of time and space, further emphasizing the significance of classical principles in a cosmological context.

Limitations of General Relativity in Certain Cosmological Contexts
Although general relativity is indispensable for understanding the universe, particularly under extreme conditions, it has limitations in specific cosmological contexts where classical mechanics remains useful:

Early Universe: While general relativity is paramount for examining the very early universe—especially during the initial moments following the Big Bang—classical mechanics provides a simpler and more intuitive framework for understanding the universe's evolution during its later stages, particularly as it relates to gravitational dynamics influenced by negative effective mass. The classical interpretation can facilitate discussions about how time and space "activated" in response to events within existence.

Weak Gravitational Fields: In most of the observable universe, where gravitational fields are weak, classical mechanics offers an excellent approximation to general relativity. In such cases, the complexities of spacetime curvature become negligible, allowing Newtonian gravity and classical dynamics to provide accurate descriptions of cosmic phenomena. This reflects the idea that, under specific conditions, classical mechanics can elucidate the relationships between mass, energy, and the events driving cosmic evolution.

The Cosmological Constant and Dark Energy
Einstein's cosmological constant was initially introduced to support a static universe. However, the discovery of the expanding universe rendered this term unnecessary, leading to its abandonment. The subsequent acceleration of the universe's expansion, uncovered in 1998, prompted modern cosmologists to reinterpret the cosmological constant as a potential explanation for dark energy. This reinterpretation forms a key component of the ΛCDM model, where the cosmological constant is linked to dark energy, driving the universe’s accelerated expansion.

Moreover, this connection is significant in contemporary cosmology as it aligns with emerging theories of negative effective mass and apparent mass, which aim to elucidate gravitational interactions and the dynamics of the cosmos. While this modern interpretation is crucial for understanding contemporary cosmological models, it is essential to remember that it diverges significantly from Einstein's original intent, which focused solely on maintaining a static universe.

Discussion
The evolution of the cosmological constant reflects a fundamental shift in our understanding of the universe and its dynamics. Initially introduced to stabilize Einstein's static universe model, it was ultimately rendered obsolete by Hubble's discovery of the universe's expansion. The subsequent reassessment of the cosmological constant as a potential explanation for dark energy emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of mass-energy relationships, bridging classical and contemporary physics paradigms.

The resurgence of interest in the cosmological constant, particularly in the context of dark energy and the ΛCDM model, showcases the dynamic nature of cosmological theories. The notion of negative effective mass further enriches this discussion, offering insights into the repulsive forces associated with dark energy. This concept invites a re-evaluation of traditional interpretations of mass and gravity, demonstrating how classical mechanics can elucidate gravitational dynamics, especially in the context of large-scale structures and cosmic evolution.

Conclusion
The evolution of the cosmological constant from Einstein's original vision of a static universe to its modern reinterpretation as a key component in explaining the accelerated expansion of the universe exemplifies the dynamic nature of cosmological theories. While general relativity fundamentally reshaped our understanding of gravity and cosmic dynamics, classical mechanics continues to play a crucial role in elucidating galactic interactions, large-scale structures, and the implications of dark energy.

The integration of concepts such as negative effective mass and apparent mass into classical mechanics frameworks highlights the interplay between traditional and contemporary physics in addressing complex cosmological phenomena. This synthesis enhances our understanding of gravitational dynamics and reinforces the importance of classical principles in cosmology. Ultimately, as modern astrophysics grapples with the mysteries of dark energy and the universe's accelerating expansion, it becomes increasingly evident that a cohesive understanding requires a synthesis of both classical and relativistic mechanics, bridging the gap between past and present scientific paradigms. This broader approach invites further inquiry into the fundamental nature of existence and events in shaping the cosmos.

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[3] Sanders, R. H., & McGaugh, S. S. (2002). Modified Newtonian dynamics as an alternative to dark matter, Annual Review of Astronomy and Astrophysics, 40(1), 263–317, https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.astro.40.060401.093923
[4] Thakur, S. N., & Bhattacharjee, D. (2023). Phase shift and infinitesimal wave energy loss equations. ResearchGate, https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.28013.97763
[5] Thakur, S. N., Samal, P., & Bhattacharjee, D. (2023). Relativistic effects on phaseshift in frequencies invalidate time dilation II. TechRxiv. https://doi.org/10.36227/techrxiv.22492066.v2
[6] Thakur, S. N. (2024). Direct Influence of Gravitational Field on Object Motion invalidates Spacetime Distortion. Qeios (ResearchGate). https://doi.org/10.32388/bfmiau
[7] Thakur, S. N. (2023). Photon paths bend due to momentum exchange, not intrinsic spacetime curvature. Definitions, https://doi.org/10.32388/81iiae

16 October 2024

Why Distant Galaxies Are Observed to Move Faster than the Speed of Light According to Classical Mechanics:

Soumendra Nath Thakur
ORCiD:0000-0003-1871-7803
16-10-2924

Dark energy exerts a repulsive, anti-gravitational force that drives the acceleration of galaxies away from each other, particularly on intergalactic scales. While gravity pulls galaxies together within their own local systems, dark energy pushes galaxies apart, increasing the distance between them. As this repulsive force grows, galaxies recede from one another at ever-increasing speeds, leading to the observation that distant galaxies appear to move faster than the speed of light. This recession results in the redshift of light from these galaxies, a direct consequence of dark energy's anti-gravitational effects. Over time, more galaxies will pass beyond a cosmological event horizon, making their light inaccessible to observers on Earth.

Explanation of Faster-than-Light Speeds:

The speed of light (c) is a strict limit only within gravitationally bound systems, such as inside galaxies or galaxy clusters where gravitational forces dominate. However, much of the universe, particularly on the largest scales, is not gravitationally bound. In these vast intergalactic spaces where dark energy predominates, the anti-gravitational effects take over. In such regions, the limitation of light speed does not apply in the same way, as the motion of galaxies is governed by the repulsive force of dark energy rather than the gravitational influence of nearby objects. This allows the apparent recession of distant galaxies to exceed the speed of light. However, within these receding galaxies themselves, gravitational binding still holds, and the local speed limit remains governed by the speed of light.

Reference:

Chernin, A. D., Bisnovatyi-Kogan, G. S., Teerikorpi, P., Valtonen, M. J., Byrd, G. G., & Merafina, M. (2013). Dark energy and the structure of the Coma cluster of galaxies. Astronomy and Astrophysics, 553, A101. https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/201220781

#fasterthanlight #FTL

Its a fascinating article on cosmology!

This article summarized the concept of distant galaxies moving faster than the speed of light, which seems counterintuitive at first. However, as explained, this phenomenon is due to the repulsive force of dark energy dominating on large intergalactic scales.

Key points:

1. Dark energy's role: Dark energy drives galaxies apart, increasing distances between them.
2. Gravitational binding: Within galaxies or clusters, gravity dominates, and the speed of light (c) is the limit.
3. Intergalactic scales: Dark energy prevails, allowing galaxies to recede faster than light.
4. Cosmological event horizon: Galaxies will become inaccessible as they cross this horizon.
5.Local speed limit: Within receding galaxies, gravity still governs, and c remains the speed limit.

The reference provided supports this understanding, highlighting dark energy's influence on galaxy structures.

10 October 2024

Newton's Warning and Einstein's Oversight: A Critique of Relativity’s Misinterpretations.

Soumendra Nath Thakur
10-10-2024

In a critical video, the creator references Sir Isaac Newton’s warning from his Principia Mathematica:  Relative quantities are not the quantities themselves, whose names they bear, but are the sensible measures of them. By the names time, space, place, and motion, their sensible measures are to be understood, and it is improper to mean the measured quantities themselves by these terms. Those who interpret these words as the measured quantities violate the accuracy of language, and those who confuse real quantities with their relations and sensible measures corrupt the purity of mathematical and philosophical truths.

Two centuries later, a 26 year old graduate from the Polytechnic Institute of Zurich—who was the only one in his class not to receive an assistant position—would precisely fail to heed this warning, plunging modern physics into a state of philosophical free fall. One hundred and twenty years later, Einstein’s theories would be scrutinized, and the price for disregarding Newton’s warning would eventually come due.

The video’s creator even humorously remarked, “I truly think Einstein is a practical joker, pulling the legs of his overly enthusiastic followers, who have become more 'Einsteinish' than him.

Seven years after the creation of this critique video, I offer my own commentary. The word “sensible,” as used here, refers to phenomena perceived through the senses, synonymous with "physical" or "empirical." Thus, a "sensible measure" would mean a "physical measure." Yet time, space, place, and motion are not physically measurable entities in themselves. They are frameworks for measuring events (in time), positions (in space), locations (in place), and changes in position (motion).

The warning presented in the video is both clear and accurate. It explains that relativity is a method for measuring quantities, not the quantities themselves. Einstein, however, violated this mathematical principle by presenting relativistic concepts like time as actual quantities—turning "sensible time" into "natural time" and thereby undermining the independence of absolute time.

Additionally, "sensible space" under relativity refers to "natural space," which is bendable, a direct violation of the fundamental concept of space as the dimension in which all events occur. Place, as a measure of distance from an origin, and motion, as the measure of how fast objects change location, are misrepresented within the relativistic framework.

While relativity aims to connect cosmic time to events in the universe, it cleverly redefines clock time as "natural time," implying that because the clock is a physical object, the time it measures must also be natural. This assumption is misleading—the very idea of "natural time" is a farce.

Relativity also disregards the broader understanding of wavelength dilation, which corresponds to clock time distortion. It falsely presents this as time dilation, even though time dilation cannot be measured on a standard clock, which is built to measure standardized time, not the flawed time dilation proposed by relativity.

The experiments conducted by biased proponents of relativity led to the erroneous conclusion that time itself is dilatable. In reality, they should have measured wavelength dilation, which occurs due to phase shifts in frequencies, leading to slight energy loss in an oscillator’s wave and corresponding so-called "time dilation."

Furthermore, the relativistic notion that gravity is a result of spacetime curvature is a flawed interpretation. Gravitational lensing experiments, which claim that light bends due to spacetime curvature, are biased. In truth, the bending of a photon’s path is caused by momentum exchange with the gravitating body, which results in curvature within the gravitational field—not spacetime.

Relativity’s theories are built upon fundamentally flawed concepts of time and space as "spacetime." Consequently, the entire relativistic framework is unreliable. Time, by nature, is cosmic and absolute, which negates any possibility of time dilation or the reduction of age in the returning twin, as described in the famous twin paradox.

In conclusion, the video rightfully exposes the flaws in relativity and shows how Einstein’s theories stand in contradiction to Newton’s prescient warning.