2006arXiv (Cornell University)Open access

A New Basis for Interpretation of the Planck Length

C. L. Herzenberg

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Abstract

A critical length has recently been identified that appears to provide a fundamental limit distinguishing quantum behavior from classical behavior. Because of the unique association between critical length and mass, it appears that we can correlate the mass of an object with the size over which its quantum behavior is manifested. When the expression for the critical length is set equal to the Planck length, we find an associated mass value that in magnitude corresponds to an approximation of the mass of the visible universe. This would appear to suggest that the quantum behavior associated with the universe as a whole would be manifested at distances comparable to or smaller than the Planck length. Accordingly, it would appear that all position measurements would be subject to uncertainties at the limit of the Planck length, so that the Planck length sets a fundamental limit on position determination.

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A critical length has recently been identified that appears to provide a fundamental limit distinguishing quantum behavior from classical behavior. Because of the unique association between critical length and mass, it appears that we can correlate the mass of an object with the size over which its quantum behavior is manifested. When the expression for the critical length is set equal to the Planck length, we find an associated mass value that in magnitude corresponds to an approximation of the mass of the visible universe. This would appear to suggest that the quantum behavior associated with the universe as a whole would be manifested at distances comparable to or smaller than the Planck length. Accordingly, it would appear that all position measurements would be subject to uncertainties at the limit of the Planck length, so that the Planck length sets a fundamental limit on position determination.

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Available abstract

A critical length has recently been identified that appears to provide a fundamental limit distinguishing quantum behavior from classical behavior. Because of the unique association between critical length and mass, it appears that we can correlate the mass of an object with the size over which its quantum behavior is manifested. When the expression for the critical length is set equal to the Planck length, we find an associated mass value that in magnitude corresponds to an approximation of the mass of the visible universe. This would appear to suggest that the quantum behavior associated with the universe as a whole would be manifested at distances comparable to or smaller than the Planck length. Accordingly, it would appear that all position measurements would be subject to uncertainties at the limit of the Planck length, so that the Planck length sets a fundamental limit on position determination.

Key concepts: Interpretation (philosophy), Basis (linear algebra), Planck, Theoretical physics, Physics, Statistical physics, Epistemology, Mathematics

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