4 ms·

If there's a minimum length (the Planck length?) then space is discrete and the measurement bottoms out at some point, it would be infinite if space was continu

If there's a minimum length (the Planck length?) then space is discrete and the measurement bottoms out at some point, it would be infinite if space was continuous and infinitely divisible.

causi 4y ago
Bingo. There are a finite number of atoms in a coastline therefore there is a finite length. I suspect the calculus to derive it isn't even all that hard.
- hutzlibu 4y ago
  "There are a finite number of atoms in a coastline" And atoms do not consist of smaller parts?
  - causi 4y ago
    There are also a finite number of quarks.
    - hutzlibu 4y ago
      Maybe. So can you meassure it then?
  - int_19h 4y ago
    Do quarks even meaningfully have a position "inside" the atom?
hutzlibu 4y ago
"If there's a minimum length (the Planck length?) then space is discrete " "The Planck length is the scale at which classical ideas about gravity and space-time cease to be valid, and quantum effects dominate. " (https://www.physlink.com/education/askexperts/ae281.cfm https://www.physlink.com/education/askexperts/ae281.cfm) This does not say, that space is discrete, it says that our concept of space does not make sense anymore at sizes that small.