Effect of Extreme Variations of Fundamental Constants on the Structure of Atoms and Molecules.

Abstract

The fundamental constants (FCs) of physics are promoted to dynamic quantities in modern theories. Heretofore, astrophysical observations, atomic clock experiments, and the Oklo natural nuclear reactor phenomenon all have pointed to small variations of FCs happening on a cosmologically long time scale. In this paper, we investigate the novel regime of extreme but transient variations of FCs. We focus on the speed of light (c) and show that its variation can dramatically change the electronic structure and chemistry of atoms and molecules. These changes are induced by increased relativistic effects when c is reduced from its nominal value. To model these changes, we solve the fully relativistic Dirac equation at different values of c. We show that at extreme variations of c, the periodic table is truncated, the nominal ground states of atoms can change, water fails to serve as a universal solvent, and the ammonia molecule becomes planar.