Perfect Spheres: A Theoretical Possibility or an Impossibility?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the theoretical possibility of perfect spheres existing in the real world. Participants explore the implications of geometry and atomic structure on the concept of a perfect sphere, considering both mathematical definitions and physical limitations.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that as you zoom in on a circle formed by cutting a sphere, the arc approaches flatness but never reaches it, implying that perfect spheres cannot exist due to the constantly changing nature of arcs.
  • Another participant agrees with the initial claim about the impossibility of perfect spheres.
  • A different participant counters that the arc of a circle can be defined mathematically and argues that perfect spheres cannot exist because matter is composed of atoms, which limits the smoothness and accuracy of any surface.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is disagreement among participants regarding the existence of perfect spheres, with some supporting the idea that they cannot exist and others challenging the reasoning behind this claim.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the definitions of arcs and perfect spheres, as well as the implications of atomic structure on physical objects. There are unresolved aspects regarding the mathematical definitions and physical interpretations presented.

kolleamm
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I've been wondering about this for a while. If you were to take a perfect sphere and cut it in half so that you would see a circle and then use a magnifying glass to zoom in closer and closer on part of the circle, the arc would approach near flatness but it would never reach it so therefore since an arc is constantly changing it cannot be fully defined therefore perfect spheres cannot exist in the real world. What do you think?
 
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Agree.

World's Roundest Object!:
 
kolleamm said:
If you were to take a perfect sphere and cut it in half so that you would see a circle and then use a magnifying glass to zoom in closer and closer on part of the circle, the arc would approach near flatness but it would never reach it so therefore since an arc is constantly changing it cannot be fully defined therefore perfect spheres cannot exist in the real world. What do you think?

That is incorrect. The arc of a circle is easily "defined" using several different equations. A perfect sphere cannot exist in real life mainly because matter is made up of atoms, which put a limit on how smooth and accurate the surface can be. It will never be perfectly round.
 
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Thanks everyone for the replies
 

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