Point particles moving in continous space

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of spacetime and its relationship to classical particles. It is mentioned that a zero-dimensional classical particle would require infinite time to move between two points in space if spacetime is continuous, but this is not the case if spacetime is discrete. The statement is compared to Zeno's paradox and the concept of convergence of infinite series is suggested as further reading.
  • #1
med17k
48
0
does this statement make sense?
If Spacetime is continuous then a zero-dimensional classical particle would require infinite time to pass between 2 points in space because between any 2 points there is an infinite number of points but if classical particles have non zero space dimensions then they can move in the space from point to point . also if spacetime is discrete at the smallest scale then classical point particle can move ordinarily from point to point .
 
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  • #2
Your statement is a modified version of Zeno's paradox. It doesn't take an infinite time between points, since dividing up space also is also dividing up time, so the time is finite.
 
  • #3
Look up convergence of infinite series. Wikipedia article titled "Convergent Series" might be a good place to start.
 

Related to Point particles moving in continous space

1. What are point particles and how do they move in continuous space?

Point particles are objects in physics that are treated as having no size or shape, and are represented mathematically as single points. They move in continuous space according to the laws of classical mechanics, which describe the motion of objects in terms of position, velocity, and acceleration.

2. How do point particles differ from regular objects in motion?

Unlike regular objects in motion, point particles are considered to have no internal structure or dimensions. This means that they do not experience rotational motion or deformation as they move in continuous space.

3. What is the significance of studying point particles in continuous space?

Studying point particles in continuous space is important for understanding the fundamental principles of classical mechanics, as well as for developing mathematical models and theories to describe the motion of more complex objects.

4. Can point particles move in a straight line indefinitely?

According to Newton's first law of motion, an object in motion will continue to move in a straight line at a constant speed unless acted upon by an external force. Therefore, in theory, point particles can continue to move in a straight line indefinitely if no external forces are present.

5. Do point particles have a specific location in continuous space?

Point particles are represented as single points in mathematical models, but they do not have a specific location in continuous space. Instead, their position can be described in terms of coordinates or vectors in relation to a reference point or frame of reference.

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