Absolute time, local time, planck time

In summary, Planck time is not necessarily the shortest unit of time as it is only the shortest time interval where our current understanding of physics could be applied. The concept of absolute time and local time is still being debated, but they are not directly related to the shortest meaningful unit of time today.
  • #1
sloughter
19
0
While Planck time is usually regarded as the shortest unit of time, isn't the shortest unit of time that can exist is the time it took to go from absolute time, the big bang, to everything after that i.e. local time? Did local time exist at the instant of the Big Bang?
 
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  • #2
What do you mean with "absolute time" and "local time"?
And how is that related to the shortest meaningful unit of time today?
 
  • #3
sloughter said:
While Planck time is usually regarded as the shortest unit of time,

It's not, which means the whole rest of the question follows from a faulty premise.
 
  • #4
Vanadium 50 said:
It's not, which means the whole rest of the question follows from a faulty premise.

In some sources like Wikipedia, Planck's time is regarded as the shortest unit of time.
 
  • #5
mfb said:
What do you mean with "absolute time" and "local time"?
And how is that related to the shortest meaningful unit of time today?

If we assume that the Big Bang was absolute time was Planck's epoch the start of local time i.e. dependent upon the observer?
 
  • #6
sloughter said:
In some sources like Wikipedia, Planck's time is regarded as the shortest unit of time.
It is the shortest time interval where our current physics could be valid. We don't know what happens at shorter time intervals.

If we assume that the Big Bang was absolute time was Planck's epoch the start of local time i.e. dependent upon the observer?
That question just does not make sense.
 

FAQ: Absolute time, local time, planck time

What is absolute time?

Absolute time is a theoretical concept in physics that refers to the precise and unchanging measurement of time in the universe. It is often described as a universal clock that is independent of any external factors or reference frames.

What is local time?

Local time refers to the measurement of time in a specific location or reference frame. It is relative to the observer's position and can vary depending on factors such as speed and gravity. This concept is a fundamental aspect of the theory of relativity.

What is Planck time?

Planck time is the smallest unit of time that can be measured, according to current theories in physics. It is approximately 5.39 x 10^-44 seconds and is named after the physicist Max Planck. At this scale, traditional concepts of time and space break down and the laws of physics as we know them may no longer apply.

How do absolute time, local time, and Planck time relate to each other?

Absolute time and local time are used to describe different perspectives of time, with absolute time being the overarching concept and local time being relative to specific frames of reference. Planck time is a much smaller unit of time that is believed to be the limit of our ability to measure time. It is also used in theories that attempt to reconcile the laws of physics at the smallest scales.

Is there any practical application for these concepts?

While absolute time, local time, and Planck time may seem purely theoretical, they have important implications in various fields of science, such as cosmology, quantum mechanics, and relativity. Understanding these concepts can help us better understand the fundamental nature of our universe and may lead to advancements in technology and our understanding of time itself.

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