Derive Planck Length in terms of c, G, and h_bar

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on deriving the Planck length in terms of the constants c (speed of light), G (gravitational constant), and h_bar (reduced Planck constant). The escape velocity formula Vesc = √(2GM/R) is equated to c, leading to a relationship between mass M and radius R. The Heisenberg uncertainty principle is applied, suggesting that the uncertainty in position (ΔX) can be expressed in terms of these constants. The user is attempting to manipulate the equations to isolate the Planck length but is struggling with the simplification process. Ultimately, the goal is to derive the Planck length from the established relationships among these fundamental constants.
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Homework Statement



a. The first part of this problem was to derive the escape speed (Vesc) for a star of mass M and radius R.

b. The second part is where I am having trouble. It says to equate the Vesc calculated above and derive a formula for Planck length in terms of c, G, and h_bar.

Homework Equations



This is from the Heisenberg uncertainty section for position and momentum so:

\DeltaX * \DeltaP = h_bar/2

E = mc2

The Attempt at a Solution



The escape velocity I calculated from part a was Vesc = \sqrt{2GM/R}

Equating Vesc to C gives:

C = \sqrt{2GM/R}

Am I supposed to assume that \Deltap = Mc and solve for \Deltax using the Heisenberg uncertainty principle?

I have tried a couple of different methods and I can't get this to simplify down to the form I need. I am pretty sure this is an easy problem, I just am not seeing the trick.
 
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According to Wikipedia the Planck length is defined as sqrt(hG/c^3)
I think it is just a way to get units of meters out of those fundamental constants.
I don't think it has a physical meaning, except in quantum mechanics which doesn't seem to apply to the problem you have.
 
Ok I think I am getting close to this one:

c=\sqrt{\frac{2GM}{R}}

M=\frac{c^2 R}{2G}

Using the Heisenberg Principal:
\DeltaX \DeltaP = \frac{h_bar}{2}

\DeltaP = c M

Solving this for \DeltaX
\DeltaX = \frac{G h_bar}{c^3 R}

How do I get the square root and get rid of the R? :frown:
 
Gravity level
c =under root of (2GM/R)
where R=L (Planck's Length) on gravity level
so c =under root of (2GM/L)

Uncertainty principle
uncertainty in momentum x uncertainty in position = reduced Planck constant/2
mv x L = reduced Planck constant/2
here on quantum level, Uncertainty in position is Planck length and velocity is c (velocity of light)
mcL= reduced h/2
m=reduced h/(2cL)

put the value of m in value of c in gravity level
c square = 2 G reduced h/(2cL*R)
c square = 2 G reduced h/(2cL*L)
where R=L (Planck length on gravity level)
Derive L (Planck length) from above equation.
 
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