Definite product of zero and infinity?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mathematical and physical implications of the product of zero and infinity. It establishes that while limits approaching zero and infinity can yield finite results in certain contexts, such as in calculus, the product of zero and infinity itself remains undefined. The conversation references Boyle's law in thermodynamics, highlighting that at extremes, such as infinite pressure and zero volume, the ideal gas law does not hold. Additionally, the discussion touches on quantum mechanics, specifically vacuum fluctuations and the relationship between energy and time.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differential and integral calculus
  • Familiarity with limits and their applications in mathematics
  • Basic knowledge of thermodynamics, particularly Boyle's law
  • Introduction to quantum mechanics and concepts like vacuum fluctuations
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the concept of limits in calculus, focusing on indeterminate forms
  • Study the implications of Boyle's law in extreme conditions
  • Investigate vacuum fluctuations and their significance in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about the mathematical treatment of infinity in various mathematical frameworks
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Mathematicians, physicists, and students of calculus and quantum mechanics who are interested in the conceptual challenges posed by infinity and zero in mathematical and physical contexts.

  • #31
These do have uses in applied mathematics and are called infinitesimals, rigorously dt is a 1 form, and rearranging antonios equation yields a 1 form = a function which is not permitted, you've canceled things that can't be canelled, and your manipulations omit many equalities that need to be satisfied, you should always write out in full.

a/c is (1/c)dv/dt

I don't see how you took any of the steps above without implicitly assuming some things that you've not told us, such as somehow deciding that dv/c = 1, which is amazing as c is a constant.
 
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  • #32
Is the following limits acceptable in mathematics?

\lim_{dt\rightarrow 0} \frac {1}{dt} = \infty

\lim_{dt\rightarrow \infty} \frac{1}{dt} = 0

\lim_{dt\rightarrow a} \frac {1}{dt} = \frac {1}{a}
 
  • #33
The last one is invalid if a = 0...
 
  • #34
Thanks. But if a=0, it is just the first one again. Physically speaking, can absolute time (absolute spacetime) ever be zero? Spacetime is not defined at the singularity.
 
  • #35
Try reading Segal's original papers to see the formalization of zero time.
 
  • #36
Thanks. I will start looking where I can get hold of this paper.
 

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