Can interactions happen at less than the Planck Time?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the misconception that interactions cannot occur at time scales shorter than the Planck Time and lengths shorter than the Planck Length. Participants clarify that these concepts are human-defined limits and that nature operates independently of these specifications. The conversation references Loop Quantum Gravity as a framework that may consider the significance of Planck Length and Time. Additionally, an Insights article on Physics Forums addresses this common misunderstanding.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Planck Time and Planck Length
  • Familiarity with subatomic interactions
  • Basic knowledge of Loop Quantum Gravity
  • Awareness of scientific misconceptions in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of Loop Quantum Gravity on fundamental physics
  • Explore the concept of time in quantum mechanics
  • Study the role of Planck units in theoretical physics
  • Read the Insights article on Planck Length misconceptions
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the foundational concepts of time and space in theoretical physics.

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I was watching this PBS Spacetime video, and something they said bugged me. They said that some subatomic interactions are occurring at time scales less than the Planck Time. And thus, this would also mean that these things are happening at scales less than the Planck Length as well. My understanding had been until now that Planck Length and Time are the cut-off lengths for interactions. What should I believe?

Here's the video that I was watching, and the statement occurs at 6:36 of the video:

 
Physics news on Phys.org
Plank time and Plank length are man-made specifications. Nature doesn't care.
 
Last edited:
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