Below and above the Planck Scale

In summary, below the Planck scale refers to inside the Planck scale, while above the Planck scale refers to outside of the Planck scale. Quantum gravity theories like Loop Quantum Gravity may affect low energy experiments above the Planck scale, but these effects are not noticeable due to the small scale of the effects. Quantum field theory is the result of effective field theory above the Planck scale, but if we had a complete theory, we may be able to manipulate spacetime and matter directly at scales above the Planck scale.
  • #1
gva
50
1
Below Planck scale means inside the Planck scale, and above Planck scale means outside of Planck scale?

If the term is correct.. why doesn't quantum gravity theory like Loop Quantum Gravity affect low energy experiments above the Planck scale (outside of Planck scale)?

Quantum field theory is said to be the result of effective field theory above the Planck scale. But if we know the complete theory. Shouldn't we be able to affect even above (outside) the Planck scale for example by directly manipulating spacetime and matter to engineer stuff only dreamt of at present due to our locked into the limitation of the effective field theory?
 
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  • #2
gva said:
Below Planck scale means inside the Planck scale, and above Planck scale means outside of Planck scale?

If the term is correct.. why doesn't quantum gravity theory like Loop Quantum Gravity affect low energy experiments above the Planck scale (outside of Planck scale)?
It probably does, but the effects there are small enough that we don't see them. The Planck scale is roughly the level below which quantum gravitational effects cannot be ignored.
 

1. What is the Planck Scale?

The Planck Scale is the scale at which the laws of physics, as we currently understand them, break down. It is the smallest possible unit of measurement and is named after physicist Max Planck.

2. What exists below the Planck Scale?

Below the Planck Scale, it is believed that the fabric of spacetime becomes so distorted that it no longer makes sense to talk about individual particles or events. It is thought that the fundamental building blocks of the universe exist at this scale.

3. Can we observe anything below the Planck Scale?

Currently, we do not have the technology or means to directly observe anything below the Planck Scale. The energy required to probe this scale is far beyond what our current particle accelerators can produce.

4. What about above the Planck Scale?

Above the Planck Scale, the laws of physics also break down. At this scale, the gravitational force becomes as strong as the other fundamental forces, and it is thought that the universe experienced a period of rapid expansion known as inflation.

5. How does the Planck Scale relate to the search for a Theory of Everything?

The Planck Scale is significant in the search for a Theory of Everything, as it is the scale at which we hope to unify all the fundamental forces and understand the true nature of the universe. Many theories, such as string theory, attempt to describe the universe at this scale.

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