The Discrete Reality of Physical Space (2024)

Related Papers

Three possible implications of spacetime discreteness (2013)

Shan Gao

We analyze the possible implications of the discreteness of spacetime, which is defined here as the existence of a minimum observable interval of spacetime. First, it is argued that the discreteness of spacetime may result in the existence of a finite invariant speed when combining with the principle of relativity. Next, it is argued that when combining with the uncertainty principle, the discreteness of space may imply that spacetime is curved by matter, and the dynamical relationship between matter and spacetime holds true not only for macroscopic objects but also for microscopic particles. Moreover, the Einstein gravitational constant can also be determined in terms of the minimum size of discrete spacetime. Thirdly, it is argued that the discreteness of time may result in the dynamical collapse of the wave function, and the minimum size of discrete spacetime also yields a plausible collapse criterion consistent with experiments. These heuristic arguments might provide a deeper understanding of the special and general relativity and quantum theory, and also have implications for the solutions to the measurement problem and the problem of quantum gravity.

View PDF

The General Science Journal

Towards a discrete cosmology. Paper 9/17: Discrete space

2022 •

Antonio Leon

This paper discusses the consequences (on the physical space) of some of the formal results proved in the precedent papers, namely the Theorem 5.5 of Formal Dependence and the inconsistencies of the actual infinity and the infinite divisibility. The consequences are almost immediate and very clear, space would have to be finite, discrete and physical, i.e. real, which obviously contrast with the usual concept of space in contemporary physics. A model based on Cellular Automata Like Models is then proposed to start the discussions on the foundational basis of a new finitist and discrete paradigm of physical space.

View PDF

2016 •

Alberto Coe

Will analyze some physical concepts only using natural numbers. We assume a space discrete Physical variables such speed or momentum are considered as result of the sum of discrete contributions .Such discrete contributions can be calculated with natural numbers only . Elementary algebra is used in the analysis of physical subjects .

View PDF

Discrete structure of spacetime

Nicola D'Alfonso

In this paper, I introduce a particular discrete spacetime that should be seriously considered as part of physics because it allows to explain the characteristics of the motion properly, contrary to what happens with the continuous spacetime of the common conception.

View PDF

Three possible implications of spacetime discreteness

Shan Gao

We analyze the possible implications of spacetime discreteness for the special and general relativity and quantum theory. It is argued that the existence of a minimum size of spacetime may explain the invariance of the speed of light in special relativity and Einstein’s equivalence principle in general relativity. Moreover, the discreteness of spacetime may also result in the collapse of the wave function in quantum mechanics, which may provide a possible solution to the quantum measurement problem. These interesting results might have some important implications for a complete theory of quantum gravity.

View PDF

Arxiv preprint gr-qc/0505023

Discrete space-time

2005 •

Rodolfo Gambini

Abstract: We review recent efforts to construct gravitational theories on discrete space-times, usually referred to as the``consistent discretization''approach. The resulting theories are free of constraints at the canonical level and therefore allow to tackle many problems that cannot be currently addressed in continuum quantum gravity. In particular the theories imply a natural method for resolving the big bang (and other types) of singularities and predict a fundamental mechanism for decoherence of quantum states that might be relevant to the ...

View PDF

Progress of Theoretical Physics

On Discrete Models of Space-Time

1992 •

Edward Kapuscik

View PDF

The General Science Journal

Towards a discrete cosmology. Paper 2/17: Physics and language

2022 •

Antonio Leon

This article points out the frequent lack of rigor in the use of ordinary language in contemporary physics and its scant concern for the problem. The ambiguous, even contradictory, use that physicists make of certain terms, such as order, organization, information, entropy, infinity, point, change, nothingness and others, stands out. This lack of linguistic and formal rigor leads some physicists (even Nobel Prize winners) to construct fallacious arguments. The article also highlights the disinterest of physics in the formal problems at the base of its mathematical language. Particularly noteworthy is its disregard for a hypothesis, which, if inconsistent, would have devastating consequences on physical theories: the Hypothesis of the Actual infinity subsumed in the Axiom of Infinity, a hypothesis that fundaments the spacetime continuum on which most of such physical theories are built.

View PDF

Cosmos and History

IS SPACE DISCRETE? AN INQUIRY INTO THE REALITY OF PLANCK LENGTH AND ITS PHILOSOPHICAL IMPLICATIONS

2020 •

Zhen Liang

In this paper, I examine the philosophical assumptions subtending the newly emerging concept of the smallest possible chunk of discrete space-Planck length, employing the method of historical analysis, hermeneutics, and phenomenological investigation.With the metaphysical presuppositions undergirding Planck length revealed, I attempt a discussion of the philosophical implications of the discrete space.

View PDF

Discrete Space-Time on the Manifestation of Mass

European Scientific Journal ESJ

Schwarzschild's Metric (Schwarzschild 1916) under specific conditions provides a Taylor series first order discrete length when transforming coordinates between observers. Exploring the consequences of the discrete length produces an a priori result of quantized space-time. Deriving base units from the quantization of space-time and applying elementary charge, exact formulations for the observed Schwarzschild's discrete units are obtained. These units are equivalent to Planck's mass, length, time, momentum, force, energy and Planck's constant (NIST CODATA 2014).

View PDF
The Discrete Reality of Physical Space (2024)

FAQs

What does it mean for space to be discrete? ›

In topology, a discrete space is a particularly simple example of a topological space or similar structure, one in which the points form a discontinuous sequence, meaning they are isolated from each other in a certain sense. The discrete topology is the finest topology that can be given on a set.

What is discrete spacetime? ›

If spacetime is discrete, the motion of particles through it would resemble a computer simulation. In such a case, the motion would not be smooth and its jumps would result in new discontinuous events for an observer that resolves the Planck scale.

Is the physical world discrete or continuous? ›

Spacetime is a continuous distribution in time of discrete spatial events. Everything in the universe including the universe is a function of spacetime.

What does discrete mean in psychology? ›

adj. separate or distinct; often referring to categorical or ordinal data that have names or ranks as values. In contrast, continuous data have a potentially infinite flow of precise numerical information. See also discontinuous.

Is reality continuous or discrete? ›

Experimentally, it is discrete. The root of this is the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. We cannot measure things to infinite precision, therefore the universe will always assist at some level to be discrete. However, continuous maths accurately describes many phenomena we see, within our ability to measure them.

How can time be discrete? ›

Discrete time views values of variables as occurring at distinct, separate "points in time", or equivalently as being unchanged throughout each non-zero region of time ("time period")—that is, time is viewed as a discrete variable.

What does spacetime tell us? ›

In physics, spacetime is a mathematical model that fuses the three dimensions of space and the one dimension of time into a single four-dimensional continuum. Spacetime diagrams are useful in visualizing and understanding relativistic effects, such as how different observers perceive where and when events occur.

Is age discrete or continuous? ›

If you know a person's time of birth, you could measure their age precisely up to the second or even millisecond if you wanted to. In this sense, age is a continuous variable. However, we don't usually care about a person's exact age. Instead, we treat age as a discrete variable and count age in years.

Is any discrete space complete? ›

Hence any discrete metric space is complete. Thus, some bounded complete metric spaces are not compact. The rational numbers Q are not complete. For example, the sequence (xn) defined by x0 = 1, xn+1 = 1 + 1/xn is Cauchy, but does not converge in Q.

Is discrete space normal? ›

Then we note that from Discrete Space satisfies all Separation Properties, a discrete space is a T1 (Fréchet) space. Therefore, by definition, T is fully normal.

Are people discrete or continuous? ›

Dogs, cats, people, houses, touchdowns, are countable, so they are discrete variables. And we do not often think of dividing a dog or house into parts, e.g. 1.6 dogs, so again that sounds like they are discrete.

Is the height of a person discrete or continuous? ›

Height, weight, temperature and length are all examples of continuous data. Some continuous data will change over time; the weight of a baby in its first year or the temperature in a room throughout the day.

Is money continuous or discrete? ›

They can only take integer values. Money can be considered both, but physical money like banknotes and coins are definitely discrete.

What does it mean for a sample space to be discrete? ›

A sample space may contain a number of outcomes that depends on the experiment. If it contains a finite number of outcomes, then it is known as discrete or finite sample spaces.

What is discrete state space? ›

Description. The Discrete State Space component implements a discrete state-space system where coefficient matrices can be specified in either the Z-domain or S-domain. Continuous state space (S-domain) implements a system described by the following: x'=Ax+Bu. y=Cx+Du.

What is discrete search space? ›

Spaces are broken up into states. The problem space description also describes how you move from one state to the next. Discrete spaces have a discrete number of states (which can be infinite) while continuous spaces have an uncountably infinite number of states.

What does it mean for a metric space to be discrete? ›

metric space

any set of points, the discrete metric specifies that the distance from a point to itself equal 0 while the distance between any two distinct points equal 1.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rev. Leonie Wyman

Last Updated:

Views: 5773

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (79 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rev. Leonie Wyman

Birthday: 1993-07-01

Address: Suite 763 6272 Lang Bypass, New Xochitlport, VT 72704-3308

Phone: +22014484519944

Job: Banking Officer

Hobby: Sailing, Gaming, Basketball, Calligraphy, Mycology, Astronomy, Juggling

Introduction: My name is Rev. Leonie Wyman, I am a colorful, tasty, splendid, fair, witty, gorgeous, splendid person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.