The speed of light c = 2.998 × 10⁸ m/s is one of the most fundamental constants in physics. In every physical theory, including special relativity and the Standard Model, it is a postulate — measured, defined, and inserted. No theory has derived it from something more fundamental.
BFUT Paper 19 derives c from the consistency between the ħ derivation and the α derivation. Both share R₀ as a common parameter. Solving the consistency relation for c:
The Derivation
where e is the elementary charge, ε₀ is the permittivity of free space, m_p is the proton mass, r_p is the proton charge radius, α is the fine structure constant, and R₀ = 1.271 is the condensation geometry minimum. Evaluating: c_BFUT = 2.9959 × 10⁸ m/s. Measured: 2.9979 × 10⁸ m/s. Agreement: 0.068%.
Physical Meaning
In BFUT, c is not a postulate about light. It is the maximum reorganisation and propagation rate of the Spaticle substrate. Light travels at c because light is a propagating disturbance of the substrate and the substrate's own propagation capacity sets the maximum rate. Matter cannot reach c because maintaining an organised condensation requires a fraction of the propagation budget for internal structure, leaving less than the full c for spatial motion.
The derivation connects c to six independently established quantities — e, ε₀, m_p, r_p, α, R₀ — with no c on the right-hand side. That the resulting value matches measurement to 0.068% confirms that these six quantities are not independent: they are all constrained by the same underlying substrate geometry.
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