Exploring the Theoretical Nature of Planck Time with Michio Kaku on Cspan BookTV

In summary, during a conversation with Michio Kaku on CSPAN BookTV, it was discussed that while Planck time is a defined unit based on universal constants, it has not yet been proven or confirmed through experiments. While there are theories that work at this scale, there is not enough evidence to determine which one accurately describes nature. The Planck scale is currently beyond our reach, but is based on the Planck length and the speed of light. We do not have evidence for Planck time and length, but they are defined units and their values may change depending on future theories and experiments.
  • #1
bobsmith76
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I was watching indepth on cspan booktv with Michio Kaku and he says that the Planck time has not be proven. I thought it was a proven fact, but he says it is still theoretical and we have no evidence for it yet. Is this true?
 
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  • #2
The way you put it that doesn't really make a lot of sense. Planck time is defined as the time associated with the Planck length, which is defined as a length scale where we know that QFT comes in conflict with GR. That's simply because at this length scale energy would be so concentrated that it becomes very relevant for space-time geometry as described by GR. So there's nothing to "prove" about Planck scale.

What you might be referring to is an actual theory that does work at Planck scale. There are candidates (basically the usual theories dealing with quantum gravity), but there has not been enough experimental evidence or theoretical prediction to decide which of the ideas describes nature best.

Cheers,

Jazz
 
  • #3
But do we have evidence for QFT or is it just a mathematical model at this point? For example, I'm pretty sure we have evidence for the Planck constant in the equation, E = hv, but do we have evidence for the Planck time and the Planck length?
 
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It's one of the natural units based on the universal constants. If anything it is a defined number. We don't know if they have any inherent value-it will depend on future theories and experiments-but they are the units derived from h, c, and G.
Planck time I believe is the time it takes a photon traveling at c to cross one Planck length.
 

1. What is Planck time?

Planck time is the shortest possible unit of time in the universe, named after physicist Max Planck. It is equal to approximately 5.39 × 10^-44 seconds.

2. Why is Planck time important?

Planck time is important because it is the smallest unit of time that can be measured and it helps us understand the fundamental nature of the universe. It is also a key component in theories such as quantum mechanics and the Big Bang.

3. Who is Michio Kaku?

Michio Kaku is a theoretical physicist, futurist, and popular science communicator. He is known for his work in string theory, quantum mechanics, and the study of the universe's origins.

4. What is Cspan BookTV?

Cspan BookTV is a television program on the C-SPAN network that focuses on non-fiction books and authors. It features interviews, lectures, and discussions with authors and experts on a wide range of topics.

5. How does this book explore the theoretical nature of Planck time?

This book delves into the concept of Planck time and how it relates to other fundamental theories of the universe. It also discusses the implications of Planck time on our understanding of time, space, and the origins of the universe.

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