Discrete Relativity: Measuring Planck Units

In summary, the thought experiment involves four co-moving observers and a flash of light emitted from their center-point. The light follows Lorentz invariance and reaches all observers simultaneously if they are stationary. However, if they are moving, the light will reach them at different times and may be slightly blue or red-shifted. The concept of reality being discrete is not relevant to this thought experiment.
  • #1
Russell E. Rierson
384
0
Consider the thought experiment involving four hypothetical perfectly equidistantly juxtaposed "co-moving" observers[A,B,C,D], with a flash of light eminating from their equidistant center-point[P]:


A_________B

_____P

C_________D

The flash of light obeys what is known as Lorentz invariance, and will reach all observers[A,B,C,D] simultaniously, since they are co-moving and at rest with respect to each other.

If reality is totally discrete then the expanding circle of light that reaches all observers simultaneously has a circumference that consists of discrete Planck units, not a continuous circle described by 2*pi*radius?

How can the circumference be determined experimentally?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Russell E. Rierson said:
Consider the thought experiment involving four hypothetical perfectly equidistantly juxtaposed "co-moving" observers[A,B,C,D], with a flash of light eminating from their equidistant center-point[P]:A_________B

_____P

C_________D

The flash of light obeys what is known as Lorentz invariance, and will reach all observers[A,B,C,D] simultaniously, since they are co-moving and at rest with respect to each other.
The light will NOT reach all the observers at the same time unless they are stationary relative to P (which you may have intended but did not state).

Assuming they are moving right to left, the light will reach A and C at time T1, slightly blue shifted, and will later reach B and D at time T2, slightly red-shifted. ("slightly" => depending on the speed relative to P)

As for reality being discrete, there is no reason at all to believe that it is but IF it is, there is no reason at all to believe that it is discrete in Plank units since that's just a man-made unit of measure that nature doesn't care about at all, so I don't see your question as meaningful.
 

FAQ: Discrete Relativity: Measuring Planck Units

What is "Discrete Relativity"?

"Discrete Relativity" is a theory that combines the principles of relativity and quantum mechanics to describe the behavior of particles at extremely small scales.

How are Planck units used in "Discrete Relativity"?

Planck units are used as the fundamental units of measurement in "Discrete Relativity". This means that all other physical quantities can be expressed in terms of Planck units, making them an essential tool for understanding the behavior of particles at the quantum level.

What is the significance of measuring Planck units?

Measuring Planck units allows us to understand the fundamental building blocks of the universe, as well as the laws that govern their behavior. It also helps us bridge the gap between classical and quantum physics, providing a more complete understanding of the universe.

How are Planck units calculated?

Planck units are calculated using the constants of nature, such as the speed of light and the gravitational constant. These units are derived from the theory of general relativity and quantum mechanics, making them a fundamental part of our understanding of the universe.

Can Planck units be measured experimentally?

Currently, Planck units are too small to be measured directly in experiments. However, they can be indirectly measured by observing the behavior of particles at the quantum level. As technology advances, it is possible that we may one day be able to directly measure Planck units in experiments.

Similar threads

Back
Top