MadSci Network: Physics
Query:

Re: Can any massive particle be smaller then the planck length?

Date: Wed Jan 27 18:08:02 2010
Posted By: Phillip Henry, Staff, Physics, Lockheed Martin & Florida Tech
Area of science: Physics
ID: 1264097273.Ph
Message:

Thank you for your question.  

The Planck Length is a theoretical number at which scale quantum gravity 
should become apparent. To date, there is no good theory for quantum 
gravity. 

However more important, at the quantum physics level, the concept 
of "size" breaks down. Quantum mechanics, at it's heart, is a 
probablistic theory. A particle is defined by its wavefunction. The 
confines of that wavefunction can be expressed in terms of its Compton 
wavelength.

So the answer is probably "no", but until a theory of quantum gravity 
emerges, we cannot say with certainty... if then.
 http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/planck/node2.html
 http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/lengths.html
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Particle_in_a_box





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