So, what are the properties of space at the Planck length?

In summary, there is ongoing debate among physicists about the properties of space at the Planck length. While some question its very existence, others are focused on determining its exact nature. However, the properties that are currently attributed to space, such as curvature, permeability, and permittivity, are based on numerical values obtained through experiments and equations. Ultimately, the true reality of space may never be fully understood through scientific methods.
  • #1
Russell E. Rierson
384
0
What are the properties of "space" at the Planck length?

http://physicsweb.org/article/world/17/3/7


As physicists celebrate 100 years of Lorentz symmetry, some theorists and experimentalists are working hard to spoil the party...

[...]

 
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  • #2
By putting space in quotations, I assume you are doubtful of it's existence?
 
  • #3
Gza said:
By putting space in quotations, I assume you are doubtful of it's existence?

:cry: :cry: :cry:

No. But the question remains, "what exactly is ...space?"
 
  • #4
And so that question will remain, I believe. It has always bugged the hell out of me, how we can talk about its curvature, permeability, permativity and a bunch of its other properties without having the faintest clue of what IT is. Or maybe I have to wait till grad school. :smile:
 
  • #5
Gza said:
how we can talk about its curvature, permeability, permativity and a bunch of its other properties without having the faintest clue of what IT is.

It is because all these properties are just numbers in some physical equatons. They are all the effects of some experiments. The equations just use numbers to get other numbers and if both sides of the equations agree then the equation is correct and proceeded to become a law of physics from theory.

But the reality of space will not be determined by experiments. There is no such equation, not because no one has found it yet but is the fact that it can never be found. It's an identity problem not a balancing problem between two distinct identities.
 

FAQ: So, what are the properties of space at the Planck length?

What is Lorentz Symmetry?

Lorentz Symmetry is a fundamental principle of modern physics that states that the laws of physics should remain the same for all observers, regardless of their relative motion or velocity. It is a cornerstone of Einstein's theory of relativity and has been extensively tested and confirmed by experiments.

What does it mean to "break" Lorentz Symmetry?

Breaking Lorentz Symmetry means that there are violations of the principle of Lorentz invariance, where the laws of physics no longer hold true for all observers. This could happen in certain theoretical models or in experimental scenarios that challenge our current understanding of physics.

How can we detect or measure violations of Lorentz Symmetry?

There are various ways of detecting or measuring potential violations of Lorentz Symmetry, including experiments with high-energy particles, gravitational wave observations, and precision measurements of the properties of matter and antimatter. These experiments can provide evidence for deviations from Lorentz invariance, which could lead to new insights and theories in physics.

What implications could breaking Lorentz Symmetry have?

If Lorentz Symmetry is broken, it would challenge our current understanding of the fundamental laws of physics. This could lead to the development of new theories and models that could potentially explain phenomena that cannot be explained by our current understanding of physics. It could also have implications for our understanding of the universe and its origins.

Has Lorentz Symmetry been conclusively proven or disproven?

While there have been some experimental and theoretical indications of possible violations of Lorentz Symmetry, it has not been conclusively proven or disproven. More research and experiments are needed to fully understand the nature of Lorentz invariance and its role in our understanding of the physical world.

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