Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: William Thomas on 08/01/2004 01:59:21

Title: Quantum Question - Space Time as a Net
Post by: William Thomas on 08/01/2004 01:59:21

I have a question about the quantum phenomena that seem to violate our understanding of time. I only have an interested lay person's understanding of physics in general, and enough understanding of quantum physics to be truly confused. My question is this - If space time was not a fabric, but more like a net, and the mesh was slightly larger than quantum particles, what would the consequences of that be on our understanding of how the phenomena work? Would the particles be able to exist outside of the traditional bounds of space time that govern our larger world?
Is this a subject that has been discussed before, and is there any reading material available for lay readers?

William Thomas

Title: Re: Quantum Question - Space Time as a Net
Post by: Quantumcat on 08/01/2004 08:44:18

Okay, it's been a long time since I've read a popular science book, (the main reason is all books being in french, which makes it kind of harder to understand) I do remember something about vacuums having particles popping in and out of existance and like annililating each other or something. Is that what you're talking about? Geez, I shouldn't have answered this at all, but I felt kind of drawn with the word "Quantum" in the title :P

Am I dead? Am I alive? I'm both!
(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.stupid-boy.com%2Fsmilies%2Fkao%2Fotn%2Fcat.gif&hash=e4b91a72c020cc1c5d28487fff5428f1)

Title: Re: Quantum Question - Space Time as a Net
Post by: tweener on 09/01/2004 04:31:36

I've read a little about this type of model of the universe, but I don't know much about it.  I have only a little more than a layman's view of physics, and my classes were waaaayyyy toooo long ago.

Most large bookstores (like Borders or Barnes and Noble to name a couple of chains) have a physics section that will have several good books for the lay reader.  Smaller mall type bookstores won't have much.  If you live near a college town, the university library would also be a good place to look, but you will also find true scientific tomes that us mere mortals don't have a prayer of understanding.

Good luck, and if you find something really good, post it- I'd like to read it also.

Welcome to the forum by the way!



----
John