Is there anything in the real world that is infinite?

Question

In mathematics, we deal with infinity alot. But is there any quantity in the real physical universe that is truely infinite?

Answer 1

Einstein once said, "Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."

But seriously, there are nothing in terms of physical quantities in the Universe that can be infinite. That is not allowed, because an infinite amount of something would require an infinite amount of space, and thus there would be no room left for anything else like stars, planets, and us human beings.

Answer 2

The terms 'infinite' and 'infinity' are useful terms for speculation and mind games only. They in no way a reflection of the real world.

Example: 1/3 = .333333.......... to infinity
therefore: 1/3 + 1/3 + 1/3 = .9999... to infinity
but it doesn't, 1/3 + 1/3 + 1/3 = 1

Unless, of course .99999...to infinity = 1
in which case, the term 'infinity' makes numbers that are obviously not equal, equal. And, that, my friend, is just not "real."

Another example of this paradox is what do you get for a number when two infinite numbers are added together? Or, for that matter, if any number is added to an infinite number? Or an infinite number is squared?

In the real world, infinity does not exist - not even the universe is infinite - if there were an infinite number of stars in the night sky, wouldn't the sky be infinitely bright? No matter how dim the furthest stars are, an infinite number of them would equate to infinite brightness.

Answer 3

Trying to measure an exact value is an exercise in infinite futility. You can only come up with a best guess...never the exact value. You may have a graduated cylinder that measures out 100 ml of water, but how do you know if you don't really have 99.9999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999991ml of water? To the naked eye (and any measuring device currently know to man) it's 10 ml.

Answer 4

We will never know, because for all we know the universe could be infinite. If that were the case, then yes. But if there is a limit to the universe, than it cannot be infinite.

Answer 5

Please be a little more specific. Do you mean an actual physical object or substance or can we refer to something abstract. For example, time is infinite and is something that is in the real world, but it isn't physical. As far as something physical, no I don't think there is anything that is infinite. (unmeasurable because of the vast quantity available)

Answer 6

I think YES! I'm certain now, after reading and answering over 5000 questions on Yahoo, ignorance and stupidity is an infinite quantity.

Answer 7

The only thing I can consider as infinite is time itself. Not just a measurement but that time is infinite from start to finish.

Answer 8

Yes, the universe itself is infinite.

Answer 9

the universe

Answer 10

according to super string theory there is an infinite amount of universes