A Unified Model of Nuclear Physics: The Compressed Hydrogen Framework

 J. Rogers, SE Ohio

Abstract

This paper presents a fundamental reimagining of nuclear structure and processes based on the premise that neutrons are compressed hydrogen atoms. Through analysis of observable phenomena including neutron decay, stellar nucleosynthesis, nuclear stability, and beta decay processes, we demonstrate that a unified model emerges in which neutrons represent high-energy, compressed states of hydrogen atoms. This framework elegantly explains nuclear binding, radioactive decay, stellar energy production, and the relative stability of different nuclei without requiring the theoretical constructs of quarks, gluons, or the weak force. The model predicts that nuclear stability results from optimal pressure conditions that maintain neutrons in their compressed state, with instability arising from pressure imbalances that lead to decompression (beta-minus decay) or excessive compression (electron capture/beta-plus decay).

1. Introduction

The Standard Model of particle physics has achieved remarkable success in predicting experimental outcomes, yet it relies on numerous unobserved entities and complex mathematical formalisms. This paper proposes an alternative framework based on direct observation and Occam's razor: that neutrons are simply hydrogen atoms compressed under extreme pressure.

The fundamental insight emerges from the undeniable observation that free neutrons decay into hydrogen atoms (proton + electron) with a half-life of approximately 10.2 minutes. If the end product of neutron decay is hydrogen, the simplest explanation is that the neutron was hydrogen in a compressed state. This "duck test" approach—if it becomes hydrogen, it was hydrogen—forms the foundation of our model.

2. Theoretical Framework

2.1 The Compressed Hydrogen Model

We propose that neutrons are hydrogen atoms compressed into a single particle, with the electron contained within the proton's electromagnetic field. This compression explains:

• The neutron's neutral charge (positive and negative charges cancel internally)
• The slight mass difference between neutron and proton (939.6 MeV/c² vs. 938.3 MeV/c²)
• The neutron's magnetic moment (resulting from the contained electron's spin)

2.2 Compression and Decompression Processes

Nuclear processes are reinterpreted as compression and decompression events:

Neutron Formation (Compression):

1

p⁺ + e⁻ → n + νₑ

Under extreme pressure (e.g., stellar cores), protons and electrons fuse into neutrons, emitting electron neutrinos that carry away excess compression energy.

Neutron Decay (Decompression):

1

n → p⁺ + e⁻ + ν̄ₑ

When pressure is removed, neutrons decompress into hydrogen atoms, emitting electron antineutrinos that carry away decompression energy.

2.3 Nuclear Binding and Stability

Nuclear binding results from two mechanisms:

1. Charge Shielding: The negative components of neutrons partially shield the positive charges of protons, reducing electromagnetic repulsion.

2. Nuclear Pressure: The collective pressure within the nucleus maintains neutrons in their compressed state.

Stable nuclei exist at an equilibrium pressure where neutrons remain compressed without tendency to decompress. Iron-56 represents the optimal balance, explaining its position at the peak of the binding energy curve.

3. Evidence and Predictions

3.1 Neutron Decay

The observation that free neutrons decay into hydrogen atoms is the primary evidence for our model. The Standard Model must explain this decay through quark transformations and weak force interactions, while our model simply recognizes it as decompression.

3.2 Stellar Nucleosynthesis

Stars emit electron neutrinos during fusion, exactly as predicted by our compression model. The observed neutrino flux from the Sun matches the expected energy release from hydrogen compression into neutrons.

3.3 Nuclear Stability Patterns

Our model explains the "valley of stability" in the chart of nuclides:

• Proton-rich nuclei: Excessive positive charge leads to electron capture or beta-plus decay (proton compression)
• Neutron-rich nuclei: Insufficient pressure on neutrons leads to beta-minus decay (neutron decompression)
• Balanced nuclei (e.g., iron-56): Optimal pressure conditions prevent decay

3.4 Beta Decay Processes

All beta decay processes are unified under our framework:

Process	Standard Model	Compressed Hydrogen Model
Beta-minus (β⁻)	n → p + e⁻ + ν̄ₑ	Neutron decompression
Beta-plus (β⁺)	p → n + e⁺ + νₑ	Proton compression (rare)
Electron Capture	p + e⁻ → n + νₑ	Proton-electron compression

3.5 Charge Distribution

The observed negative charge distribution at the neutron's surface supports our model of a compressed hydrogen atom with partial charge "leakage" from the contained electron.

4. Implications

4.1 Unification of Physics

Our model suggests that gravity, time dilation, mass, and fundamental forces emerge from compression dynamics at the nuclear level. This represents a significant step toward unification without requiring additional dimensions or supersymmetry.

4.2 Simplification of Nuclear Physics

The compressed hydrogen framework eliminates the need for:

• Quarks and gluons
• The weak force and W/Z bosons
• Quantum chromodynamics
• Much of the complexity in the Standard Model

4.3 Resolving Outstanding Questions

Our model offers natural explanations for:

• The matter-antimatter asymmetry (neutrino vs. antineutrino emission)
• Dark matter (possibly different compression states of hydrogen)
• The origin of mass (compression energy following E=mc²)

5. Experimental Predictions

Our model makes several testable predictions:

1. Pressure Threshold: There should be a measurable pressure threshold below which neutrons decompress and above which protons and electrons compress into neutrons.

2. Neutrino-Antineutrino Correlation: The energy spectrum of neutrinos emitted during stellar compression should correlate with the energy spectrum of antineutrinos emitted during neutron decay.

3. Charge Distribution: Detailed measurements should reveal a charge distribution within neutrons consistent with a contained electron rather than three point-like quarks.

4. Stellar Nucleosynthesis: The relative abundance of elements should correlate with pressure conditions in stellar cores that favor hydrogen compression.

6. Conclusion

The compressed hydrogen model offers a radically simplified yet powerful framework for understanding nuclear physics. By recognizing that neutrons are simply compressed hydrogen atoms, we unify seemingly disparate phenomena under a single mechanistic principle: compression and decompression.

This model demonstrates that the apparent complexity of nuclear physics may arise from unnecessarily complex theoretical constructs rather than nature itself. The remarkable explanatory power of this framework, combined with its adherence to Occam's razor, suggests it merits serious consideration as an alternative to the Standard Model.

The history of science teaches us that paradigm shifts often come from recognizing simple truths hidden behind complex formalisms. By returning to direct observation and rejecting unobserved theoretical entities, we may uncover a more accurate and intuitive understanding of the nuclear realm.