Does the Planck length expand in a FRW universe?

In summary, when using particle physics natural units, Einstein's field equations can be expressed as ##G_{\mu\nu} = l_P^2 T_{\mu\nu}## where ##G_{\mu\nu}##, ##l_P##, and ##T_{\mu\nu}## have specific dimensions. In cosmology, assuming a flat space and cartesian coordinates, the proper length ##ds = a(t) dx## increases with time due to the expansion of the scale factor ##a(t)##. Therefore, it makes more sense for ##l_P## to also expand with ##a(t)## as it is a proper length and not a constant.
  • #1
jcap
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By using particle physics natural units with ##\hbar=c=1## so that Planck's length ##l_P=(8\pi G)^{1/2}## we can express Einstein's field equations as
$$G_{\mu\nu}=l_P^2\ T_{\mu\nu},$$
where ##G_{\mu\nu}## has dimension ##[\hbox{proper length}]^{-2}##, ##l_P## has dimension ##[\hbox{proper length}]##, ##T_{\mu\nu}## has dimension ##[\hbox{proper length}]^{-4}##.

In cosmology we assume the expanding FRW metric. If we assume flat space for simplicity and cartesian coordinates then we have the following line element
$$ds^2=-dt^2+a^2(t)\left(dx^2+dy^2+dz^2\right).$$
Therefore an interval of proper length in the x-direction for example is given by
$$ds=a(t)dx$$
If ##l_P## is a proper length then should it expand with the scale factor ##a(t)## or should it remain constant?

In order for it to remain constant then its corresponding comoving interval ##dx \sim 1/a## which seems unnatural to me.

Therefore I think that as ##l_P## is a proper length it should expand with the scale factor ##a(t)##.

Does this make sense?
 
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  • #2
jcap said:
If ##l_P## is a proper length

##l_P## isn't a proper length. It's a physical constant that happens to have units of proper length.

The proper length ##ds = a(t) dx## is the proper distance between two events happening at the same time ##t## and separated by a spacelike coordinate interval ##dx##. If we hold ##dx## constant (i.e., we have two comoving objects), this proper distance increases with ##t##, since ##a(t)## does. So the ratio of ##ds## to ##l_P##, i.e., the number of Planck lengths between the two comoving objects, will increase.
 
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1. What is the Planck length in a FRW universe?

The Planck length is a unit of length used in quantum physics, defined as the scale at which quantum effects of gravity become significant. In a FRW universe, it is the smallest possible length that can exist and is equal to approximately 1.6 x 10^-35 meters.

2. Does the Planck length change in a FRW universe?

The Planck length remains constant in a FRW universe, just like any other fundamental constant in physics. It is a fundamental property of space and does not change with time or the expansion of the universe.

3. How does the expansion of the universe affect the Planck length?

The expansion of the universe does not affect the Planck length. While the universe is expanding, the Planck length remains constant. This is because the Planck length is a fundamental property of space, and the expansion of the universe does not change the fundamental laws of physics.

4. Can the Planck length be observed in a FRW universe?

No, the Planck length is far too small to be observed in a FRW universe or any other universe. It is much smaller than the smallest particles that we know of, and any attempt to observe it would require energies far beyond our current technological capabilities.

5. Is the concept of the Planck length relevant in a FRW universe?

Yes, the concept of the Planck length is still relevant in a FRW universe. It is a fundamental scale that helps us understand the limits of our current understanding of physics. While it may not be observable, it is still an important concept in theoretical physics and cosmology.

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