Can Dark Energy Influence the Minimum Unit of Space in the Universe?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the influence of dark energy on the minimum unit of space in the universe, exploring theoretical limits such as the Planck length and the implications of energy transfer from gravitons. The scope includes theoretical physics and speculative ideas regarding the nature of space and energy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that if dark energy increases its total energy by taking energy from gravitons, this could link the loss of graviton energy to the expansion of the universe, questioning whether the smallest unit of space can indeed be 10^-35 metres.
  • Another participant proposes that the smallest theorized length is around 10^-34 cm, which approaches the Planck constant, suggesting it cannot be smaller.
  • A different participant believes the Planck limit is closer to 10^-43, indicating a potential misunderstanding regarding the context of length versus time.
  • Another contribution argues that there is no current reason to consider the Planck length as a definitive lower bound, noting the relationship between Compton wavelength and Schwarzschild radius at Planck mass, and referencing the limitations of Loop Quantum Gravity (LQG) in quantizing lengths.
  • A participant reiterates the initial claim about dark energy and graviton energy loss, questioning the validity of 10^-35 metres as the minimum unit of space and suggesting that string theory would be incompatible if this minimum length were not upheld.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the minimum unit of space, with no consensus on whether the Planck length is a definitive limit or if other theoretical frameworks might suggest different values. The discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding assumptions about the nature of dark energy, the definitions of minimum lengths, and the implications of energy transfer between gravitons and dark energy. The discussion also reflects varying interpretations of theoretical physics concepts.

kurious
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If dark energy increases its total energy in the universe by taking energy from gravitons, then the loss in energy of a graviton can be linked to the increase in size of the universe.If the smallest unit of space is 10^ -35 metres, this is the minimum that the universe expands in anyone dimension and this size of expansion is caused by the weakest energy gravitons losing energy to dark energy.But the expansion locally here on Earth would be only 10 ^ -35 / 10 ^ 26 metres =
10 ^ -61 metres.So surely the smallest unit of space in the universe can't be 10 ^ -35 metres?
 
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smallest length

I actually believe the smallest theorized length would be a one dim string which is on the order of 10^-34 cm you see it is nearing Plancks constant I believe and therefore can't get any smaller.
 
i believe the Planck limit is more on the order of 10-43

oops, talking about length, not time. :redface:
 
Last edited:
There is no current reason to suppose the Planck length is a sharp lower bound on length. What happens there is that the Compton wave length of a Planck mass particle equals its Schwartzschild radius, so gravity an quantum are forced to acknowledge each other. Note that the LQG program succeeded in quantizing areas and volumes, but not length. "There are more things, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy."
 
KURIOUS:
If dark energy increases its total energy in the universe by taking energy from gravitons, then the loss in energy of a graviton can be linked to the increase in size of the universe.If the smallest unit of space is 10^ -35 metres, this is the minimum that the universe expands in anyone dimension and this size of expansion is caused by the weakest energy gravitons losing energy to dark energy.But the expansion locally here on Earth would be only 10 ^ -35 / 10 ^ 26 metres =
10 ^ -61 metres.So surely the smallest unit of space in the universe can't be 10 ^ -35 metres?

KURIOUS:

String theory would be out of the picture if the minimum length isn't 10^-35 metres -
unless it could be transformed to match the change in minimum length.
 

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