The Rules of PHYSICS and How To Break Them | Worldbuilding

World Building: Establishing the Rules of Your Fictional Universe

Introduction to World Building

• The video introduces the concept of world building, focusing on establishing the rules of a fictional universe.

• Matthew outlines a step-by-step process for creating a science-adjacent fictional world from scratch.

Understanding Cosmology

• The discussion begins with cosmology, which studies the origin and evolution of the universe, starting from the Big Bang.

• An example is provided from Dungeons & Dragons, known as "the great wheel," featuring multiple universes with different scientific laws and magic.

Types of Cosmologies

• The kitchen sink approach allows players to explore various universes in tabletop games but can be exhaustive for world builders.

• Heaven and hell are common themes in many religions; examples include Elysium and Tartarus in ancient Greek theology.

Creating Parallel Universes

• For this project, Matthew proposes creating a second parallel universe that mirrors and connects with the first one.

• These two universes will have points where they intersect, affecting each other across space-time.

Establishing Fundamental Rules

• The next focus is on defining fundamental rules similar to real-life scientific laws like thermodynamics and gravity.

• Most fictional worlds imply these laws but only detail deviations; an example is Fullmetal Alchemist's alchemy linked to conservation of mass.

Unique Universal Laws

• If creating unique universal laws, it’s crucial as they will impact all aspects of world building.

• A hypothetical law could limit magical abilities based on physical weight, influencing character development and story dynamics.

Energy Transfer in Fictional Universes

The Nature of Energy Transformation

• Energy can be transformed from one form to another but cannot be created or destroyed. In this fictional universe, energy can transfer between adjacent universes.

• The total energy of both universes is viewed as a single pool, allowing for movement between them, although real-life evidence of such universes is lacking.

Perception of Energy Transfer

• To an observer in one universe, the process may appear as energy creation and destruction rather than transfer.

• In our real world, energy creation would seem like magic since it defies universal laws; however, within the fictional universe's rules, it operates scientifically.

Entropy and Natural Energy Transfer

• Energy transfer occurs naturally as a byproduct of entropy; higher entropy leads to more energy transfer.

• Entropy measures randomness or disorder; processes that increase disorder (like burning wood into ash) illustrate how entropy increases.

Examples and Scale of Energy Transfer

• A fire exemplifies minor energy transfer compared to cosmic events; stars and black holes represent significant sources of energy transfer.

• An equation could quantify the rate of transfer in this fictional universe while maintaining simplicity for world builders.

Observational Effects on Entropy

• When observing both universes together, total entropy remains constant; one universe becomes more disordered while the other becomes ordered.

• This dynamic creates a perception of fluctuating entropy levels when viewed from just one universe.

Mechanisms for Energy Entry into Universes

• The process by which energy enters a universe is termed "synthesis," while leaving is called "severance."

• Instead of immediate jumps between universes, energy exists in an "energetic limbo" before being pulled into either universe through various methods.

White Holes: A Source of Incoming Energy

• White holes are theorized opposites to black holes that emit energy without allowing anything to enter. Their existence remains debated but serves as a plausible mechanism in fiction.

• Three forms of white holes—thermal, photonic, and electric—could exist at galaxy centers, providing a scientific rationale for what might seem magical phenomena.

Creative Freedom Through Science Fiction Elements

• By establishing micro-scale inbound transfers (e.g., compounds and rituals), creators can depict occurrences that feel magical yet have scientific underpinnings.

Exploring the Universe: Energy Conservation and Chemistry

Adjustments to Energy Conservation Principles

• The discussion revolves around a modified principle of conservation of energy, allowing for energetic transfer between our universe and a secondary universe.

• This adjustment is crucial for understanding interactions in the hypothetical universe being constructed.

• The implications of this change could lead to new insights into how energy operates across different universes.

Upcoming Topics in Chemistry

• The next session will shift focus from physics to chemistry, exploring the foundational rules that govern the newly imagined universe.