Have the planck scales been proven to be true?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the quantization of space and time at the Planck scales, specifically whether these concepts have been proven true. Participants explore the theoretical implications of Planck length and Planck time, as well as the current state of experimental evidence related to these ideas.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether space and time have been proven to be quantized at the Planck scales.
  • One participant cites their astronomy professor's assertion that space and time are quantized, expressing uncertainty due to a lack of broader agreement.
  • Another participant notes the necessity of a quantum theory of gravity to understand physics at Planck scales.
  • Concerns are raised about the absence of experimental evidence supporting or contradicting the quantization of time and space.
  • There is mention of a proposed experiment aimed at demonstrating the quantization of time, although details about its status are unclear.
  • One participant emphasizes that anecdotal references to third-party opinions are not sufficient counter-arguments in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the quantization of space and time. There are competing views, with some asserting that it has not been proven, while others reference theoretical support for the concept.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the current experimental status of the quantization of space and time, highlighting the lack of definitive evidence either for or against the claims made.

iScience
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has it been proven that space and time are quantized in the Planck length and Planck time?
 
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No. not at all.
 
my astronomy professor said that space and time are quantized.. the thing is.. i'd like to think that he wasn't talking out of his rear no offense to him at all. but i just don't see anyone else agreeing with him, which is why I'm asking

but if they aren't proven to be true, what ARE they? are they theorized fundamental units of space and time?
 
The significance of the Planck length and Planck time is that to understand physics at these length and time scales, we will need a quantum theory of gravity.
 
iScience said:
i just don't see anyone else agreeing with him

There are a lot of people that agree with him, but there are not any experiments that do (or that disagree). What is his level of training?
 
DrewD said:
There are a lot of people that agree with him, but there are not any experiments that do (or that disagree). What is his level of training?

what do you mean? he's a full professor.
 
I didn't know if he was just a lecturer or something. I am not an expert, but the last I heard there was only one proposed experiment to show that time is quantized and the funding was slow. I don't remember who, it was. I'll see if I can any info.
 
This question was answered in message #2. "But someone else said..." is not an acceptable counter-argument here, I'm afraid. There's no point in us arguing with a third party through the OP.
 

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