Inference of the Universal Constancy of Planck Constant based on First Principles

TL;DR

This paper theoretically infers the universal constancy of the Planck constant using thermodynamics, least action, and probability theory, aiming to explain its physical origin and numerical value from first principles.

Contribution

It provides a novel theoretical inference of the Planck constant's constancy and origin based on fundamental physical principles, which has not been previously established.

Findings

Infers the universal constancy of h from first principles.

Connects the value of h to thermodynamics and action principles.

Offers a new perspective on the physical origin of h.

Abstract

Since its discovery by Max Planck in 1900, the Planck constant $h$ has been demonstrated to be an universal constant, and its numerical value has been accurately determined based on experiments. Up to the present however the physical origin of this fundamental constant has not been well understood, and the numerical value of it has not been {\it ab initio} predicted. $h$ is characteristic in two respects: 1) it is a universal constant with respect to all (quasi-) stationary dynamical processes of all matter particles and radiation fields, and 2) it has a specific numerical value. A theoretical inference of $h$, and a corresponding accounting for the physical origin of $h$, therefore needs be achieved in both respects. This paper presents a theoretical exploration in the first respect, a mathematical inference of the universal constancy of $h$, based on the second law of thermodynamics, the principle of least action and the probability theory.