Is Space and Time Truly Nonexistent at the Subatomic Level?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the nature of space and time at the subatomic level, particularly in relation to string theory. Participants explore whether conventional notions of space and time apply in this realm and the implications of such ideas for established physics concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants reference a video discussing string theory that claims space and time do not function properly at the subatomic level, suggesting a lack of conventional directional and temporal concepts.
  • Others argue that string theory remains speculative and not yet connected to observable reality, emphasizing that current validated theories still align with Einstein's predictions at accessible energy levels.
  • A participant questions the validity of the claims made in the video, suggesting that if space and time are indeed non-existent at this level, it would undermine fundamental concepts like CPT symmetry and recent Nobel Prize-winning discoveries related to broken symmetry in elementary particles.
  • A participant seeks clarification on the video's content and expresses a desire for simpler explanations due to their novice status in the subject matter.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of the claims regarding space and time at the subatomic level, with some supporting the speculative nature of string theory and others questioning the implications of such claims on established physics. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views present.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of "subatomic" and the speculative nature of string theory, which may not yet have experimental validation. The implications of these ideas on established theories are also not fully explored.

Mad1kas
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hey boys i was watching a video the other day about string theory and the guy presenting said that space and time don't function properly at the subatomic level.. for instance there is not left and right , no up and down, no forward and backward, no before and after , not here and there..


is this correct?

thanks in advance :D
 
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Mad1kas said:
hey boys i was watching a video the other day about string theory and the guy presenting said that space and time don't function properly at the subatomic level.. for instance there is not left and right , no up and down, no forward and backward, no before and after , not here and there..

Consider that string theory and so on are up this point entirely speculative theories, or conceptual frames to develop theories, which don't have yet any connection with observable reality - but could one day turn out to make correct predictions - or could turn out to be entirely misguided.
What is true is that we know that our currently experimentally validated theories are prone to run into conflict at scales which are for the moment still beyond experimental access. So most probably "something will have to give in". And it is the theorist's job to think of ways in which it could give in, and string theory is one of these possibilities.

"subatomic" on this level is really really much smaller than what is usually called "subatomic".
Up to the Tevatron energies, in any case, space and time still behave as Einstein had foreseen more than 100 years ago. Whether the LHC will start hinting at deviations is to be seen.
 
Mad1kas said:
hey boys i was watching a video the other day about string theory and the guy presenting said that space and time don't function properly at the subatomic level.. for instance there is not left and right , no up and down, no forward and backward, no before and after , not here and there..is this correct?

thanks in advance :D

As I've asked in this thread

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=262927

where did you hear something like that? What "video" is this?

If this is true, then the CPT symmetry that is so fundamental, and the "broken symmetry" in elementary particles that just got awarded with this year's Nobel Prize would be completely meaningless.

Zz.
 
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/elegant/program.html
its the first video in the second column
did i get it right?
is that what he means? :S

vanesch, i think you mean that it hasnt been proofed yet?

i am a newbie as you see :D

edt: i am only 14 simple words please :S
:D:D:D
 
hey can someone reply if its really true?
 

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