If you were on a perfectly flat plane

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In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of an infinite plane and what it would look like. The speaker asks if it would be possible to see all of the infinite distance, to which the response is that the angle would be too small for the human eye to resolve. The speaker then compares it to the view of the ocean and a desert plain, emphasizing that no matter where you stand, your view would always be the same.
  • #1
CombustionMan
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..that went an infinite distance in all directions:
What would it look like?
Would you technically be able to see all (or a lot) of it? (speed of light permitting)

It's just a question that has been bugging me for a while.
 
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  • #2
No, the angle will be so small that your eyeball cannot resolve the edge. It will look like the ocean.
 
  • #3
You said there is infinite distance in all directions so in technical terms, you can't see "all" of it because infinite is going on forever with no boundaries and because it is infinite, there is nothing else past the plains so you will only see a horizon where the ground seems to meet the sky.

If you are in an infinite plain with no plants, then no matter where you stand and in what direction you stand, your view will always be the same. I think it would be similar to how a desert plain looks, like in this picture:
http://murmeli.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/plain-desert.jpg
 
  • #4
And no matter how far you moved, you would always be at the centre of the plane :wink:
 
  • #5
It's the same issue you have when looking at anything: the further you look, the wider your field of view gets, but the smaller the individual things you see appear. If you'd imagine the plane you were standing on was painted with a black grid on it, all the lines would converge at the horizon until it's all just black for you.
 

FAQ: If you were on a perfectly flat plane

What is a perfectly flat plane?

A perfectly flat plane is a theoretical mathematical concept where all points on the surface are equidistant from each other, forming a two-dimensional space with no curvature or hills.

Can a perfectly flat plane exist in the real world?

No, a perfectly flat plane cannot exist in the physical world as there will always be some degree of variation or imperfection in any surface.

How would gravity work on a perfectly flat plane?

On a perfectly flat plane, gravity would still exist and pull objects towards the center of the plane. However, since there is no curvature, objects would not roll or slide downhill.

Would there be any shadows on a perfectly flat plane?

Yes, there would still be shadows on a perfectly flat plane as long as there is a light source. However, the shadows would be cast in a straight line rather than following the curvature of a surface.

Could we travel in a straight line forever on a perfectly flat plane?

In theory, yes, we could travel in a straight line forever on a perfectly flat plane. However, in reality, there would likely be obstacles or limitations that would prevent us from doing so indefinitely.

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