A new view on known Physics "Coherence Cost Theory"

This paper introduces Coherence Cost Theory (CCT), a novel theoretical framework proposing that matter's existence is not passive but requires continuous energy expenditure to maintain coherent persistence through time. Rather than treating matter as static entities that simply "are," CCT posits that particles must actively work to continue existing from one moment to the next.

The theory rests on a single, profound principle: existence costs energy. From this foundation, we derive unified explanations for numerous phenomena that current physics describes but doesn't explain mechanistically, including:

• Why electrons in graphene exhibit near-zero effective mass (through "existence burden sharing" with the crystal lattice)
• The physical mechanism behind quantum measurement collapse
• Why quarks cannot exist in isolation (prohibitive energy cost of solo existence)
• How mass increases with velocity without invoking spacetime geometry
• An alternative to dark matter through extended coherence networks

CCT makes three specific, falsifiable predictions that distinguish it from current frameworks: (1) a fundamental coherence lifetime limit for isolated quantum systems, (2) pressure-dependent mass variations, and (3) detectable exchange fields around massive objects.

By treating time not as a given backdrop but as an emergent phenomenon arising from collective maintenance events, the theory addresses longstanding conceptual gaps including the hierarchy problem, baryon asymmetry, and the nature of mass-energy equivalence. The mathematical framework avoids circular definitions while reducing to established physics in appropriate limits.

This work represents a fundamental reconceptualization of matter's nature, offering mechanistic insights where current physics provides only mathematical descriptions. While speculative, the theory's testable predictions and explanatory power warrant serious investigation by the physics community.

Keywords: quantum foundations, mass-energy equivalence, emergent time, effective mass, matter persistence, coherence maintenance, dark matter alternative, quantum measurement