Can objects move towards each other in less than one Planck length?

In summary, the plank length is a fundamental unit of length in quantum mechanics, believed to be the smallest possible length in the universe. It relates to gravitation in the theory of quantum gravity, where it is considered the scale at which gravity becomes significant. It is not currently measurable, but it challenges our understanding of the universe and plays a role in theories of quantum gravity and a unified theory of fundamental forces. There is also a proposed relationship between plank length and the speed of light at this scale.
  • #1
Aphex_Twin
39
0
Can two objects move towards each other as a consequence of their gravity a distance smaller than one Planck unit of length?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
It's not clear that the idea of position, and hence of "moving toward" has any meaning at the Planck scale. Spacetime may be foamy, uncertain, and/or topologically complex at that scale.
 
  • #3
No one really knows what "distance smaller than one Planck unit of length" means. So the question probably doesn't make sense. We'll have to wait for a better theory to know for sure.
 

1. What is the plank length?

The plank length is a fundamental unit of length in the theory of quantum mechanics. It is believed to be the smallest possible length that can exist in the universe, and is approximately 1.6 x 10^-35 meters.

2. How does plank length relate to gravitation?

In the theory of quantum gravity, plank length is considered to be the scale at which the effects of gravity become significant. At this length, the fabric of space-time is believed to be "quantized" or discrete, rather than continuous as described by classical physics.

3. Can plank length be measured?

Due to its incredibly small size, plank length is not currently measurable with our current technology. It is purely a theoretical concept in the field of quantum mechanics.

4. How does plank length affect our understanding of the universe?

The concept of plank length challenges our understanding of the universe, as it suggests that there is a limit to how small things can be. It also plays a role in theories of quantum gravity and the search for a unified theory of all the fundamental forces in the universe.

5. Is there a connection between plank length and the speed of light?

There is a proposed relationship between plank length and the speed of light, known as the Planck length/time. It is believed that at this scale, the speed of light becomes infinite and space-time becomes homogeneous and isotropic, meaning the laws of physics are the same in all directions.

Similar threads

  • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
35
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
981
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
820
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
11
Views
458
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
6
Views
2K
Back
Top