Topological defects, such as domain walls and cosmic strings, exhibit properties that challenge the binary notion of discontinuity. Domain walls serve as two-dimensional boundaries between regions of distinct symmetry breaking, while cosmic strings represent one-dimensional structures with different local minima of symmetry. The width of these discontinuities is theorized to be approximately $10^{-32}$ meters, influenced by the energy levels at which phase transitions occur. This discussion clarifies that "approximately discontinuous" is a valid characterization within the context of topological defects.
PREREQUISITESPhysicists, particularly those specializing in quantum field theory, cosmologists studying the early universe, and researchers interested in the implications of topological defects in theoretical physics.