Quantum Theories: Are Distance and Time Truly Quantized?

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of distance having fundamental units (quanta) similar to time, which is a real quantity with quanta according to some quantum theories. The concept of time and distance being imaginary and artifacts of perception is also brought up, along with the mention of tachyons as hypothetical particles that can move faster than light. However, the discussion is deemed unsuitable for the forum guidelines.
  • #1
Phred101.2
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Homework Statement



If time is a real quantity and has fundamental units (quanta), shouldn't distance (a real quantity) also have quanta? (I know there are some quantum theories that model quantised distance.)

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Time is imaginary and so is distance (neither have any "real" value but have imaginary value).
 
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  • #2
Well, firstly, this isn't a homework question is it? Where does your assumption come from that time is quantised?
 
  • #3
What's a tachyon?
 
  • #4
And no, this is a speculation I'm trying to deal with. Time must be an artefact of measurement, and this opens up the question whether distance can also be considered this way. Energy and mass are "real" things, but time (the "flow" of energy), and distance (an effect of mass separation), are artefacts of how we perceive the two, and have no existence, no external reality, like mass/energy do. Any ideas?
 
  • #5
Phred101.2 said:
What's a tachyon?
A tachyon is a hypothetical particle that moves faster than the speed of light.

Phred101.2 said:
And no, this is a speculation I'm trying to deal with.
That comment is enough to suggest to me that this discussion will not satisfy the forum guidelines: check out the "rules" button on the top toolbar.
 
  • #6
No worries...
 

FAQ: Quantum Theories: Are Distance and Time Truly Quantized?

1. What is the relationship between time and entropy?

Time and entropy are closely related concepts in physics. Entropy is a measure of the disorder or randomness of a system, while time is a measure of the progression of events. The second law of thermodynamics states that the entropy of a closed system always increases over time, meaning that systems tend to become more disordered as time passes.

2. How does entropy affect the arrow of time?

The arrow of time refers to the direction in which time flows, from past to future. Entropy plays a crucial role in the arrow of time, as the second law of thermodynamics states that entropy always increases over time. This means that systems tend to move from a state of low entropy (order) to a state of high entropy (disorder), creating the perception of time moving forward.

3. Can time be reversed and entropy decreased?

According to the second law of thermodynamics, the entropy of a closed system can never decrease over time. This means that time cannot be reversed, as this would require a decrease in entropy. However, on a microscopic scale, some physical processes are reversible, and entropy can temporarily decrease. But on a macroscopic scale, the second law of thermodynamics holds true.

4. How is entropy related to the concept of information?

Entropy and information are inversely related. In other words, the higher the entropy, the lower the amount of information in a system. This is because high entropy systems are more disordered and have less predictable patterns, making it harder to extract meaningful information from them. Conversely, low entropy systems have more order and structure, leading to more information.

5. Can entropy be used to measure time?

While time and entropy are related, entropy cannot be used as a direct measure of time. Entropy is a measure of the disorder of a system, while time is a measure of the progression of events. However, some scientists have proposed using entropy as a measure of the arrow of time, as the increase in entropy over time is a fundamental aspect of the arrow of time.

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