Momentum Is All You Need

We introduce the Momentum-First (M-First) framework, which reconstructs relativistic physics from the foundational principle of momentum conservation. The framework posits that a particle's energy and its experience of time are emergent properties of its underlying momentum configuration. From a small set of postulates, the principles of special relativity are derived. We then extend the framework to gravity, which is treated not as a force, but as a kinematic modifier that alters a particle's on-shell condition. In its static limit, this leads to a universal, parameter-free prediction: a particle's effective rest mass is scaled by the local gravitational potential as $m_{\text{eff}} = m_0 \sqrt{-g_{00}}$. This modification to quantum kinematics enhances quantum tunneling rates, offering a quantitative, first-principles resolution to the long-standing neutron star shallow heating puzzle. The success of this prediction serves as a concrete validation for the framework's broader claims. The M-First principles are not posited ad-hoc; they are shown to be derivable consequences of M-Theory, for which the framework provides an interpretive 'Rosetta Stone'. Furthermore, this unified approach provides a common theoretical origin for resolving a range of other anomalies in astrophysics and cosmology. By deriving testable consequences from a new axiomatic foundation grounded in fundamental theory, M-First presents a compelling and falsifiable paradigm. Supplementary Material File (momentum.pdf) - Download - 395.57 KB Information & Authors Information Version history Copyright This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Authors Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 231views 135downloads Citations Download citation Arne Klaveness. Momentum Is All You Need. Authorea. 14 July 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.174983592.20105366/v4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.174983592.20105366/v4 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu.