Are space and time really quantized?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the concept of whether space and time are quantized, exploring implications for theories such as special relativity and general relativity. Participants examine both theoretical frameworks and experimental challenges related to the quantization of spacetime.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Theoretical exploration
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the quantization of space and time is a true physical reality or merely a mathematical abstraction, and inquires about its implications in different gravitational contexts.
  • Another participant references a concept related to doubly special relativity, suggesting a connection to the discussion but does not elaborate further.
  • It is noted that the quantization of spacetime is an unresolved issue, with various theoretical approaches like loop quantum gravity and string theory facing significant challenges, particularly in experimental verification due to technological limitations in accessing the Planck scale.
  • One participant argues that current successful physical theories treat space and time as a continuum, suggesting that the notion of quantization is speculative and fraught with difficulties in developing a coherent theory.
  • A different viewpoint asserts that space and time are indeed quantized, referencing quantum loop gravity and introducing a complex hypothesis involving dark matter and spatial configurations, although this claim is met with skepticism regarding its clarity and physical meaning.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the quantization of space and time, with no consensus reached. Some support the idea of quantization while others argue against it, emphasizing the challenges in formulating a successful theory.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in current theoretical frameworks and the experimental challenges in verifying quantum gravitational effects, particularly at the Planck scale.

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Is it really true that space and time are quantized or is it just a mathematical abstraction? If it is true, then what happens to this quantization under special relativity and general relativity? Is the minimum quantized distance different at the surface of a black hole than it is in the middle of deep space?
 
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The quantization of spacetime remains an open problem, both on the theoretical and experimental sides. Theoretically, there are several attempts to create consistent frameworks for quantum gravity (loop quantum gravity, string theory, ...), but there are still numerous difficulties. On the experimental side, the problem is accessibility of the scales where quantum gravitational effects become relevant. We simply lack the technology to access the Plank scale.
 
All successful physical theories today are based on the idea of space-time as a continuum, where space and time are not quantized. The idea that space and time are quantized is just an idea, and there are significant challenges to building a successful theory out of it, as Polyrhythmic said. What the future will hold is anybody's guess.
 
mrezatirgan said:
space and time is quantized. The quantum loop gravity is dealing with this subject. Moreover, according to H particle-paths hypothesis in website Hparticles.com/, the dark matter of SM configuration is converted by normal masses or particles continuously to right-handely expanding expandon of SNr configuration that is confined in an H hall package (i,e, unit of spatial medium) within spatial medium of path-length value 2hbar. It is along with contracton emission of left-handely SPl condiguration within mass medium of path-length value-2hbar

Most of this is pure gibberish, devoid of physical meaning.
 

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