Shortest distance you can travel?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of the shortest distance that can be traveled, exploring whether there is a limit to this distance and the implications of measurement at quantum scales. Participants engage with theoretical and conceptual aspects, referencing the Planck length and the uncertainty principle.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the inability to measure a distance implies that it cannot be traveled, suggesting that movement may occur even if it is unmeasurable.
  • There is a reference to the Planck length as a potential limit to measurable distances, but some participants argue that this does not necessarily mean shorter distances cannot be traveled.
  • Participants discuss the implications of the uncertainty principle on the concepts of spatial position and movement, with some suggesting that classical ideas of movement do not apply at quantum scales.
  • One participant proposes that if a force is applied to an object, it may move a distance that is less than the Planck length, raising questions about the nature of movement at such scales.
  • Another participant emphasizes that at the quantum level, movement and space may not behave as they do in classical physics, suggesting that the notion of small movements becomes meaningless.
  • There is a contention regarding the application of classical physics principles to quantum scenarios, with some arguing that quantized movement challenges traditional understandings of force and motion.
  • Some participants assert that just because a distance cannot be measured does not mean it did not occur, leading to discussions about the metaphysical implications of movement at unmeasurable scales.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views, with no clear consensus on whether there is a minimum distance that can be traveled or the implications of measurement limitations. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing perspectives on the nature of movement at quantum scales.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in current understanding of movement at quantum levels, particularly regarding the application of classical physics concepts and the implications of the uncertainty principle. The relationship between measurement and movement remains a point of contention.

  • #61
Gabe21 said:
so grammatical errors aside, u r saying...

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=414380

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  • #62
Gabe21 said:
so grammatical errors aside, u r saying that smaller distances do exist but we can't see on a scale smaller than Plancks?

I don't see why distance can't be zero - but we have a limit for what we can measure.

You said:
there is a limit on how far we can see into space so y don't we assume the same in relation to how small something is?

We do. The limit on how small we can measure is the Planck length.

Note, our ability to see a certain distance does not limit the maximum size something can be, only what we can measure. The inverse with 'small' is exactly the same.
and its more redundant than contradictory.

You are either infinitely big or you have a limited size. The limit you keep referring to is purely our ability to measure (or see that far). It has nothing to do with the size of the universe.
not being able to put a definite size on the universe means its infinite.

I can't put a definite size on my car, that doesn't mean it's infinite. Again, the inability to measure does not imply an infinite size.
a shorter version would be" if space is infinitely large y can't it also be infinitely small."

No, you can only get to zero in size. That is as small as something can be (well there abouts) so unlike space which could go on infinitely, you could only tend to zero with size.
 
  • #63
since the universe is continum, then maybe no limit.
If it is descret it may be h (planck cst)
I say maybe
 

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