What is the smallest reference of time

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of the smallest measurable unit of time, exploring theoretical limits and interpretations within the context of physics, particularly quantum mechanics and theories related to Planck time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that time may be discrete rather than continuous, implying that there are no intervals of time shorter than a certain threshold.
  • Others reference Planck time as a candidate for the smallest interval of time, noting that this has not been confirmed.
  • One participant discusses the theoretical implications of time being a discrete unit, suggesting that proving such a concept may remain elusive.
  • A metaphor involving a pencil approaching a desk is used to illustrate the idea of infinitely small distances and its relation to time measurement.
  • Another participant relates Planck time to a frame in animation, suggesting that time cannot be shorter than this due to limitations imposed by the speed of light.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether time is discrete or continuous, and while some agree on the significance of Planck time, there is no consensus on its confirmation or implications.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the theoretical nature of the discussion, highlighting that concepts like Planck time and the discreteness of time are not universally accepted or confirmed.

DARKSYDE
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ive heard of nano seconds, pico seconds and what not, but I am wondering what the absolute resolution of time is? I am leaning towards infinite
 
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DARKSYDE said:
ive heard of nano seconds, pico seconds and what not, but I am wondering what the absolute resolution of time is? I am leaning towards infinite

If by "infinite", you mean "infinitely short", you'd be mistaken. Time, as it relates to the field of quantum mechanics, is discreet; not continuous. That is to say, if we were ever to measure the shortest period between t0 and t1, we'd find that there's no "time" in between t0 and t1. Just how short of a time the differetial is dependent on the kinetic energies of the particles we are measuring (bear in mind that Einstein revolutionized our concept of physical reality by unifying time and space into a single, fourth-dimensional, "space-time continuum." Thus, space may be that distance between the two particles being measured; hence we arrive at an answer to your time question).
 
In some theory,http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planck_time" is the smallest interval of time
BUT keep in mind that this has NOT been confirmed yet.
 
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netheril96 said:
In some theory,http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planck_time" is the smallest interval of time
BUT keep in mind that this has NOT been confirmed yet.

Such things would likely always remain theoretical. One can construct a law around the idea that time is a discreet unit, but proving the law would likely remain elusive.
 
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This is linked with many other infinite problems such as:

If you take a pencil and you bring it closer and closer to a desk - firstly it is 1cm away, then 0.1cm away, then 0.01cm...0.0000000001cm

And for it to actually reach the table - it would have to pass the infinitely small value and reach 0.
 
netheril96 said:
In some theory,http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planck_time" is the smallest interval of time
BUT keep in mind that this has NOT been confirmed yet.

I also think the smallest unit of time would be Planck time, I find it easier to understand time by looking at Planck time as a single frame animation in a cartoon. I don't think a time frame could be shorter than this, as, if I understand it correctly, c limits it.

best

Colin
 
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