Smallest \Delta T - Questions & Answers

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of the smallest unit of time, also known as the Planck time. Some believe that the Planck time is the "quantum of time," the smallest measurement of time with any meaning. However, this is just speculation without any evidence. Others argue that time is not quantized and there is no smallest unit of time. The Wikipedia article on Planck units also mentions this debate and suggests that the section on invariant scaling of nature should be revised.
  • #1
Mattara
348
1
This question could have been posted in qm or gsr but since it is so versitile i'll post it here.

Is there a smallest [tex]\Delta T[/tex]?

ex.

year => minutes => seconds => atto seconds etc.
 
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  • #2
some might have speculated that the Planck Time

[tex] t_P = \sqrt{\frac{\hbar G}{c^5}} \approx 5 \times 10^{-44} \mbox{s} [/tex]

or somewhere in the ballpark, but don't ask me to justify it.
 
  • #3
from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planck_time :

/../The Planck time /.../is the "quantum of time", the smallest measurement of time that has any meaning/../

/.../we can neither measure nor discern any difference between the universe at the time it first came into existence and the universe anything less than 1 Planck time later./.../

So there isn't a smallest [tex]\Delta T[/tex] only a smallest period of time during which something might actually happen i.e. everything below Planck time is to small for anything to happen (complete a cycle from being unfinished to being finished)?
 
Last edited:
  • #4
Wikipedia is worth what you pay for it.
"This is the "quantum of time", the smallest measurement of time that has any meaning." is just speculation with no foundation.
 
  • #5
So then what is Planck time and is there a smallest [tex]\Delta T[/tex]?
 
  • #6
There is no evidence as far as I'm aware, that time is quantised, thus from our current understanding, there is no smallest dt.

Claude.
 
  • #7
Meir Achuz said:
Wikipedia is worth what you pay for it.
"This is the "quantum of time", the smallest measurement of time that has any meaning." is just speculation with no foundation.

yeah, that should be fixed. the Planck Units article doesn't have that speculation in it, but others have disagreed with the section on invariant scaling of nature.
 

Related to Smallest \Delta T - Questions & Answers

1. What is "Smallest ΔT"?

"Smallest ΔT" refers to the smallest difference in temperature that can be accurately measured by a thermometer or other temperature measuring device.

2. Why is it important to know the smallest ΔT?

Knowing the smallest ΔT is important because it allows scientists to accurately measure and track small changes in temperature, which can be critical in many scientific experiments and studies.

3. How is the smallest ΔT determined?

The smallest ΔT is determined by the precision and accuracy of the temperature measuring device being used. It is typically measured in increments of one-tenth or one-hundredth of a degree.

4. Can the smallest ΔT vary between different temperature measuring devices?

Yes, the smallest ΔT can vary between different temperature measuring devices, as it is dependent on the precision and accuracy of each device.

5. How is the smallest ΔT used in scientific research?

The smallest ΔT is used in scientific research to accurately measure small changes in temperature, which can provide important insights into various natural phenomena and processes. It is also used to ensure the accuracy and reproducibility of experimental results.

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