Scalar tensor theories and variable rest masses

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Considers a large class of scalar tensor theories which are derivable from a certain parametrised Lagrangian. The field equations are found and solved exactly for spherical symmetry. The author identifies the parameters appearing in this solution and use it to calculate the experimental predictions of this class of theories. This class contains a large variety of theories including general relativity, the Brans-Dicke theory, and theories with variable rest masses. Particular attention is paid to whether or not variable rest-mass effects are observable. It is found that such effects are observable even if the theory is transformed back to laboratory units and cannot be ruled out by the standard solar system experiments.