Classical physics describes gravity, electromagnetism, and light with extraordinary mathematical precision but does not answer what they physically are. This paper proposes concrete mechanical answers to all three questions within a single framework. The vacuum is modelled as a superfluid organised into a lattice of quantised vortices. Gravity is a static lattice stretch: every toroidal vortex draws ether inward through its ring, reducing lattice density in a 1/r field whose gradient is the gravitational force. Electromagnetism is electrons pushing electrons through the lattice: every electron is connected to every other via a Newton's Cradle impulse chain of lattice vortices, and the Coulomb force arises when this symmetry is broken by the shielding effect of a proton. Light is an impulse propagating along a single chain of lattice vortex elements at the impulse speed of the medium. The electron is the same vortex as the lattice element in free-standing toroidal form; the proton is a toroid at a much larger scale. The neutron is a proton with a nearly-stationary electron plugging its centre, restoring the impulse chain and rendering it electromagnetically invisible. Building on Superfluid Vacuum Theory (Sinha, Sivaram Volovik, 2003; Zloshchastiev, 2011; Sbitnev, 2016), the model extends SVT in a geometrically explicit direction. The framework reproduces key results of established physics — including the 1/r² force laws, charge quantisation, the fine-structure constant, and the event horizon condition — while providing physical mechanisms where the standard model provides only mathematical descriptions. All four fundamental forces emerge from a single vortex mechanism at different distance scales. Charge quantisation is explained by the existence of only one charge carrier (the electron). Nuclear structure and electron shells arise from geometric constraints on toroidal vortex arrangements. The speed of light is identified as a medium property rather than a universal constant, with implications for faster-than-light travel in regions of disrupted lattice. Testable predictions include modified Michelson–Morley experiments in unshielded environments, interferometric detection of lattice flow near current-carrying wires, GPS signal asymmetry measurements, flyby anomaly correlations with planetary surface velocity, and a neutron star maximum mass prediction dependent on local gravitational potential. Known limitations and open problems — including the rigorous derivation of the 1/r lattice stretch from toroidal vortex suction — are discussed explicitly. This is a preprint uploaded to establish priority. Focused follow-up papers are in preparation.
Örs Márton (Wed,) studied this question.