Very simple question about GR

[BenAS]

Relativity say as an an object accelerates, time dilates and distances contract.

It is my understanding that the shortest distance possible is a Planck length, so as distance contracts, does the number of Planck lengths decrease, or does a Planck length get shorter? It would seem the former, but I don't know. I've got only a pop sci education

Is there a simple answer?

 

[PeterDonis]

It is my understanding that the shortest distance possible is a Planck length

Not in GR. In GR there is no shortest possible distance. The idea that the Planck length is the shortest possible distance comes from speculations about quantum gravity.

does a Planck length get shorter?

In GR, an object that is one Planck length long in its rest frame will appear shorter than one Planck length in a frame in which it is moving.

 

[Nugatory]

It is my understanding that the shortest distance possible is a Planck length...

Not so. This comes up often enough that we have an Insights article about it: https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/hand-wavy-discussion-planck-length/

 

[BenAS]

Not so. This comes up often enough that we have an Insights article about it: https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/hand-wavy-discussion-planck-length/

Thanks for the replies! This is very helpful.