Reactive Substrate Theory (RST) v1.0 – FAQ
Reactive Substrate Theory (RST) v1.0 – FAQ
This FAQ provides clear, accessible answers to the most common questions about Reactive Substrate Theory (RST). It is designed for readers who want to understand how RST differs from traditional physics interpretations while remaining fully compatible with observed data.
What is Reactive Substrate Theory (RST)?
RST is a nonlinear field theory proposing that all physical phenomena arise from interactions between two continuous fields:
- S(x,t) — a tension-bearing Substrate field
- Ψ(x,t) — a Resonance field that forms stable, particle-like structures
RST does not replace the predictions of GR or QM — it reinterprets them through a deeper, mechanical foundation.
Does RST conflict with General Relativity or Quantum Mechanics?
No. RST is empirically compatible with both GR and QM. It differs only in interpretation. GR and QM describe measurement outcomes; RST describes the underlying medium that produces those outcomes.
What does RST say particles are?
Particles are solitons — stable, localized solutions of the coupled Ψ–S field equations. Their stability comes from a balance between:
- Resonance self-repulsion (λ |Ψ|² Ψ)
- Substrate focusing (κ S Ψ)
- Substrate stiffening (β S³)
This “tensegrity” balance gives particles finite size, finite energy, and stability.
Why does RST avoid singularities?
In GR, singularities appear when curvature becomes infinite. In RST, the Substrate equation contains a β S³ term that makes the medium stiffer as S grows. This prevents runaway collapse.
As a result, no physical quantity can diverge. Black holes become extremely dense but finite Substrate configurations — not infinities.
Why does RST not require virtual particles?
In QM, forces are modeled as exchanges of virtual particles. In RST, forces arise from real Substrate tension gradients. Nothing needs to “pop in and out of existence.”
This removes the need for vacuum fluctuations, renormalization tricks, and virtual exchange diagrams.
Does RST allow time travel?
No. GR allows exotic spacetime geometries that permit closed timelike curves. RST replaces spacetime curvature with Substrate tension, which cannot fold, tear, or invert. Time travel is not physically possible in RST.
Does RST support a multiverse?
No. RST produces single-valued, stable resonance outcomes. There is no branching of worlds or parallel universes. The many-worlds interpretation is unnecessary.
What is the RST interpretation of the wavefunction?
The wavefunction is not a probability cloud. It is a real resonance structure whose stability determines measurement outcomes. No collapse occurs; measurement is a Substrate-mediated selection of stable configurations.
What replaces spacetime curvature in RST?
What GR calls “curvature” is reinterpreted as gradients in Substrate tension. Light bending, time dilation, and gravitational attraction all arise from how waves propagate through the Substrate.
Does RST explain gravity?
Yes — gravity emerges from Substrate tension gradients created by resonance structures. This produces effects equivalent to GR’s curvature but without singularities or exotic geometries.
Is RST a complete theory?
RST v1.0 provides:
- Full field equations for S and Ψ
- A mechanism for particle stability
- A 3D soliton framework
- A reinterpretation of GR/QM phenomena
Future work includes:
- Numerical 3D soliton solutions
- Parameter calibration
- Mapping solitons to known particles
- Deriving GR/QM limits explicitly
What is the ultimate goal of RST?
To provide a single, continuous, mechanical foundation beneath all known physics — one that explains particles, forces, gravity, and quantum behavior without paradoxes, infinities, or interpretive complications.
