Note: In discussions on the global approximate interpretation, I have strictly limited the scope to electromagnetic processes in low-energy atoms and molecules, excluding other interactions. Considering that quantum mechanics is merely a spectral image of classical systems, no exotic concepts should be introduced—and indeed, no exotic phenomena (such as quantum entanglement or electron spin) have been found to exist. Therefore, in the discussion of Natural Quantum Theory (NQT), some extensions to the high-energy region have been made, covering issues related to quantum field theory. I have also long suspected that the only fundamental fields might be the electromagnetic field and spacetime (see the earlier discussion "Grand Unification in Classical Field Theory?"). However, adhering to the principles of conservatism and empiricism, these discussions—including this one—contain a high degree of speculation and require more robust theoretical deductions and experimental data. The reason I can't help but take a risk to step forward a little is to see how much potential natural quantum theory may have.
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In the microscopic world, particles such as electrons, protons, or neutrons seem to be imperishable—they exist stably and constitute all matter around us. But what makes these particles so extraordinarily stable? Traditional physics often explains this using abstract quantum rules, such as "intrinsic quantum numbers" or the "Higgs mechanism". However, Natural Quantum Theory (NQT) can provide a more intuitive and simpler perspective: the stability of particles may originate from the natural stability of magnetic flux. This magnetic flux acts like a self-sustaining energy cycle system that requires no external force to maintain; yet, external force must be applied to alter it.
Particles Are Not "Points", but "Field Vortices"
First, we need to rethink particles. In classical physics, particles are often visualized as tiny hard spheres. But NQT tells us that fundamental particles—such as electrons or quarks—are actually "stable perturbations of the spacetime field": an extended, dynamic structure with a scale roughly equal to the Compton wavelength (a tiny distance related to particle mass, approximately ranging from 10⁻¹² to 10⁻¹⁵ meters). The interior of these structures is not empty; instead, it is filled with "vortices" of electric and magnetic fields—energy circulates between electricity and magnetism, forming closed loops.
Imagine a miniature tornado: its wind force forms a self-contained system, spinning continuously without dissipating. This is the image of particles in NQT. Magnetic flux—the closed magnetic field lines—is the core of this vortex. It acts like an inexhaustible "reservoir" of energy, storing the total energy of the particle and forming what we call "rest mass". This self-sustaining closure ensures the stability of the particle: energy cannot radiate out easily, allowing the particle to maintain balance "naturally" without external intervention.
Why "natural stability"? At such a small scale, the oscillations of the field are extremely intense, forcing energy to circulate and preventing it from escaping. This is not some mysterious quantum magic, but an inevitable consequence of classical field dynamics in finite space. Just like a closed electromagnetic resonator, energy resonates repeatedly inside, maintaining stability. NQT argues that this stability is "self-organized", arising from the field’s own balance rather than external rules.
Early quantum theory, however, attempted to explain particles in another way: treating them as "wave packets"—a superposition of localized waveforms. But this model has a major flaw: wave packets disperse over time, similar to how water waves spread across a lake, making it impossible to maintain the long-term stability of particles. Scientists later introduced soliton theory, trying to simulate particles using stable solitary solutions of nonlinear waves (for example, in certain media, solitons can maintain their shape without dispersion). Unfortunately, soliton theory also failed—it cannot fully explain all properties of particles, such as magnetic moment or internal structure, and it does not fully match experimental observations. NQT’s vortex model fills this gap: through the closed self-sustainment of magnetic flux, it not only solves the dispersion problem but also provides a physical mechanism for particle stability.
Altering Stability: External Force Is Needed to Break the Balance of Magnetic Flux
If magnetic flux is so stable, how do particles decay or change? The answer is: external force is required to alter magnetic flux! Within the framework of NQT, the vortex of a particle is like a precise clock gear system—it rotates on its own, but external energy must be input to "shift" it and break the balance.
For instance, a free neutron is unstable in an isolated state and decays into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino through beta decay. However, when a neutron is "trapped" in an atomic nucleus, it becomes stable. Why? Because the collective magnetic coherence inside the nucleus enhances the closure of the vortex, making it harder for magnetic flux to be disturbed. To alter this stability, external disturbances—such as high-energy collisions, thermal energy, or strong magnetic fields—must provide sufficient energy to "break" the magnetic flux loop. NQT describes this with the concept of "restoring force": any small disturbance is automatically "repaired" by the vortex, but a large external force can permanently restructure it, leading to particle decay or transformation.
This is analogous to trying to change the state of a high-speed spinning top: it is naturally stable, but you must push it forcefully to stop it. This view of NQT simplifies particle physics: stability is not abstract "quantum confinement", but a physical result of closed magnetic flux.
Evidence: All Stable Massive Particles Possess Magnetic Moment
All stable fundamental particles with rest mass (e.g., electrons, quarks) and some composite particles (e.g., protons and neutrons inside atomic nuclei) have a magnetic moment. Magnetic moment is a measure of a particle’s "magnetic strength", similar to the direction and intensity of a small magnet.
Why is this considered evidence? Because magnetic moment is precisely the macroscopic "fingerprint" of magnetic flux vortices! If the stability of a particle depends on the closed stability of magnetic flux, then particles with magnetic moments are naturally more "stable"—magnetic moment quantifies the rotational intensity of the vortex, ensuring that energy circulates without dissipation. In contrast, particles without magnetic moments (e.g., photons) have no rest mass and cannot remain stable for long (they can be absorbed or generated). Even neutrinos, which have extremely small masses and an extremely low upper limit of magnetic moment (~10⁻¹¹ Bohr magnetons), exhibit weaker stability (they can undergo oscillations).
This pattern is no coincidence: in NQT, magnetic moment arises from the physical rotation of the extended field structure, rather than abstract spin quantum numbers. It implies that the natural stability of magnetic flux is the physical basis for particle mass and lifespan.
Origin of Mass: A Simple Explanation Without the Higgs Mechanism
When discussing mass, we must mention the "Higgs mechanism" in traditional theory—it assumes that a Higgs field "endows" particles with mass, producing Higgs bosons through spontaneous symmetry breaking. But NQT argues that this is overly complex! Higgs bosons originate from gauge fields, which, in NQT, are not fundamental physical fields but rather mathematical compensation for the freedom of magnetic moment orientation.
Mass has a simpler origin: it is the natural storage of field perturbation energy! In a vortex, energy is "trapped" through the closure of magnetic flux, directly converting into rest mass (E = mc²). No Higgs mechanism is needed—mass is a result of self-coherent balance. What about Higgs bosons? NQT regards them as collective excitations of high-energy field modes, similar to the propagation of sound waves in crystals, rather than "mass-givers".
This view simplifies particle physics: mass is not a "gift" bestowed upon particles, but a process of field self-organization. NQT argues that the Higgs mechanism introduces unnecessary abstraction to cover up the flaws of the point-particle model.
Implication: From a Mysterious to an Intuitive World
This perspective of NQT allows us to see a more intuitive microscopic world: the stability of particles is not a quantum puzzle, but a natural result of the self-sustainment of magnetic flux. Altering it requires external force, which explains why high-energy accelerators like the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) can "smash" particles to reveal their internal structures. Supporting evidence—such as the existence of magnetic moment—further reinforces this image: it acts like an empirical "beacon", guiding us away from abstract gauge theories toward real field mechanisms.
Of course, this remains a theoretical speculation. Future experiments—such as precision magnetic moment measurements or vortex simulations under high-energy collisions—could verify these ideas. NQT reminds us: physics should not be trapped in mathematical obscurity, but should restore the simplicity and beauty of nature. Why are particles so "stable"? Perhaps the answer lies in those closed magnetic flux loops—a self-sustaining energy dance that never stops.
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