Reference systems and their origins

Abstract

It is demonstrated how the choice of a reference system origin influences our interpretation of the natural laws. Instead of placing it arbitrarily as is customary in mechanics, we locate it at an energy minimum, or zero point of material systems. In an example from celestial mechanics, the sun defines the point of minimum gravitational potential and preferred origin for the planetary system. As a comparison, Heisenberg's derivation of quantum kinematics is shown to be deficient, because microscopes do not define the point of minimum energy of an atomic system. To improve upon it, new interpretations of quantum kinematics and mechanics are proposed by locating the reference system origin at the zero point of an atomic system, where the Hamiltonian, H = T + V, equals zero. Experiments with atomic clocks are cited in support of the new physical model. The Schwarzschild solution relative to a mass point is proposed as the preferred interpretation of a general relativity theory due to the location of the origin at a zero point. These interpretations of long-standing theories provide new points of view to familiar problems.