Re: A question of discrete space-time, part 4

On 2005-06-29, Ed Hanna <stq50@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> This fifth emergent property of discrete space-time, wherein particles
> follow random wavy paths that depend on the energy of the particle,
> might correspond with the wave theory of light in conventional
> continuum physics. Conversely, if a photon were a particle that
> traveled in a wavy path, giving it wave-like properties, that may help
> explain the wave-particle duality of light. It may also help to
> explain how light waves can pass through a vacuum, where there is no
> material substance to carry the "wave".
>
> None of the four previously proposed emergent properties of a discrete
> space-time model were sufficiently different from continuum physics to
> allow for a concrete test that will distinguish between the two, but
> this fifth emergent property, where particles are predicted to follow
> random wavy paths, instead of straight lines, seems to be substantially
> different from current continuum physics.
>
> Dear Igor, if you are reading - I believe that this prediction is
> original, and could be the basis of a concrete test to distinguish
> between discrete physics and continuum physics. Or we may have just
> run into a brick wall.

The wave nature of light is explained by continuous models (Maxwell's
equations) very well. Highly doubtful that fluctuations on the scale or
the lattice (Planck scale?) would directly result in micron scale
wavelengths. Moreover, just because two things are waving, does not
mean they are waving for the same reason. Whether your last hypothesis
is testable or not depends entirely on the size of your lattice. If it's
Planckian, then there is little hope to ever see these microscopic
fluctuations.

Igor

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