What is the smallest Volume possible in three-dimensional space?

In summary, the smallest bit of 2-Dimensional Space that can exist within an area that is bounded by 3-Dimensions is the Planck distance.
  • #1
Olias
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And what are the minimum locations needed for a Volume to exist?
 
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  • #2
Olias, I think this is still controversial, some people think there is a minimum volume, distance, area, time, etc. while others think space and time are probably continuous. (Penrose?)(String theorists?)
Those who believe in quantized space talk about the Planck distance as the shortest distance possible. I don't remember the exact number as a fraction of a meter for the Planck distance but it is very, very small. (you can look it up in google)
If you are interested in these topics, you may also do a Google search on "quantum loop gravity".
There are some recent popularizations which you can probably find at your local Barnes and Nobles. Look for authors like Greene and Smolin.
Good luck, and let us know what you found.
--Alex--
 
  • #3
Olias said:
And what are the minimum locations needed for a Volume to exist?

And what is the smallest bit of 2-Dimensional Space that can exist within an area that is Bounded by 3-Dimensions?

Actually does a 2-D space have to be Smaller than 3-D space?..does Quantizizing(sorry about spelling) of 3-D, actually reveal that 2-D must exist within a volume of 3-Dimensional Volume?

If one compactifies a Volume of 3-D space, then at a certain limit a 2-Dimensional Volume can encompass the 3-D volume, one can actually make the statement that a discrete 3-D can be surrounded by an infinite 2-D volume, I know that some Brane models are using a sort of Dimensional transposition, where embbeded Branes inter-mingle, but what if higher and lower branes collide, what is the outcome of such things..if at all they are possible.
 
  • #4
If you believe that spacetime (this includes space and time) is quantised, then there are definite limits as to how far we can "zoom in" since after a certain point space and time will be playing with each other.

If you think spacetime is continuous as did Newton and Einstein, then you can go zooming in forever and forever and forever. For any two points with a small distance (or any two moments) there is another point (or moment) in between.
 

1. What is the smallest unit of measurement for volume?

The smallest unit of measurement for volume is the cubic Planck length, which is approximately 1.6 x 10^-35 meters. This is the smallest possible volume that can exist in three-dimensional space according to current theories of physics.

2. Can the smallest volume in three-dimensional space be measured?

Currently, the smallest volume in three-dimensional space cannot be measured directly due to the limitations of our technology. However, it can be calculated and estimated using mathematical models and theories.

3. How does the concept of smallest volume relate to the Planck scale?

The concept of smallest volume is closely related to the Planck scale, which is the scale at which quantum effects become significant and classical theories of physics break down. The cubic Planck length is the smallest possible volume at this scale.

4. Is the smallest volume in three-dimensional space a constant value?

The concept of the smallest volume in three-dimensional space is still a topic of debate and research in the scientific community. Some theories suggest that it may be a constant value, while others propose that it may vary depending on the conditions of the space.

5. Can objects exist at the smallest volume in three-dimensional space?

Due to the uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics, objects cannot exist at the smallest volume in three-dimensional space because it would result in infinite energy. However, this does not mean that the smallest volume is an empty void, as fluctuations in energy and particles can still occur at this scale.

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