Resource-Dependent State Selection: A Heuristic Framework with Testable Predictions for Quantum-Classical Transition

This pre-print proposes a novel heuristic framework that addresses the quantum-classical boundary through an optimization-based approach. We introduce "resource-dependent state selection"—a mechanism where physical systems dynamically choose between quantum (high-fidelity) and classical (compressed) representations based on information-theoretic efficiency under gravitational constraints. CORE CONTRIBUTION: - A specific, falsifiable prediction: the "optimization cliff"—an abrupt collapse of quantum coherence at critical gravitational thresholds - Quantitative prediction: For 10⁶ amu nanoparticles with 10g test masses, coherence should drop by factor >100 at ~1.2 mm - Clear experimental signature distinguishable from conventional decoherence models FRAMEWORK STATUS: This is a HEURISTIC framework, not a fundamental theory. It generates testable predictions while remaining agnostic about underlying mechanisms. Different sections have different epistemic statuses, explicitly marked throughout. EXPERIMENTAL IMPLICATIONS: The framework provides a clean experimental test requiring minimal modifications to existing levitated nanoparticle setups (e.g., groups of Novotny/ETH or Romero-Isart/Innsbruck). Success would open new research directions; failure would cleanly falsify the approach. KEYWORDS: Quantum-classical transition, Heuristic framework, Optimization cliff, Gravitational decoherence, Experimental prediction, Foundations of physics, Resource optimization NOTE: Developed through conceptual dialogue with AI systems (as acknowledged in the paper), demonstrating modern collaborative research approaches.