The discussion centers on the implications of length contraction as described by special relativity when applied to a hypothetical ruler measuring one Planck length. Participants assert that length contraction occurs regardless of the ruler's size, as it is an observational effect dependent on the relative motion between the observer and the object. Additionally, it is noted that constructing a ruler of one Planck length is not feasible, and the Planck length itself is merely a human-defined measure without intrinsic physical significance. The consensus emphasizes that length contraction is not an inherent property of the object but rather a phenomenon observed from different frames of reference.
PREREQUISITESThis discussion is beneficial for physicists, students of theoretical physics, and anyone interested in the intersection of quantum mechanics and relativity, particularly in understanding the nature of length contraction and the Planck length.
I don't think making the ruler that short is likely to make a difference. Special relativity and quantum mechanics are perfectly compatible (via Quantum Field Theory). There would be length contraction, regardless of the physical size of the ruler.windy miller said:Imagine I had a ruler 1 Planck length long, I then send it on a rocket close to the speed of light, does its length contract? It seems to my simple intuition, relativity would say yes and Qm would say no. Is there a simple solution to this ?