Entropic Vacuum Pressure Theory: Gravity as a Thermodynamic Pressure Gradient in the Quantum Vacuum

This paper introduces the Entropic Vacuum Pressure Theory (EVPT), a proposed framework in which gravity emerges not as a fundamental force, but as a thermodynamically generated pressure gradient in the quantum vacuum surrounding massive bodies. The theory is built around three core postulates: Mass acts as an entropic organiser of local quantum vacuum fluctuations, reducing the surrounding vacuum entropy density. This entropy reduction produces a corresponding reduction in local vacuum pressure through a vacuum equation of state. Objects interact with resulting vacuum pressure gradients through an effective entropic cross-section proportional to mass. Using this framework, the paper derives Newton’s law of gravitation from vacuum thermodynamics and expresses Newton’s gravitational constant as a ratio of underlying vacuum-field parameters. The work also explores how EVPT reproduces several established predictions of General Relativity, including: Light deflection Gravitational time dilation Mercury’s perihelion precession Gravitational wave propagation In addition, the paper proposes multiple falsifiable experimental predictions involving: Casimir-gravity correlations Entropy screening effects Environmental variation of G Quantum coherence enhancement of gravity Rotational entropy asymmetry A major focus of the research is creating a physically testable bridge between: Quantum field theory Thermodynamics Emergent gravity Vacuum physics Relativistic gravitation The paper also explicitly discusses theoretical limitations, open problems, and areas requiring future mathematical development, including strong-field formulations and covariant entropy field equations.