can two things take up the same space?

Answer 1

Two solid objects can not. Atoms would repel each other.

Glass and light can take up the same space.

Answer 2

A fundamental axiom of physics is that no two masses can occupy the same space at the same time. Makes no difference if these masses are solid, liquid, gas, or Bose Einstein particles. They cannot occupy the same space at the same time.

Gases, for example, can mingle molecules, but each molecule still finds its own space among the other molecules to occupy. And, through something called creep, even metals can fuse together. But the atoms making up the metal lattices are creeping in between other atoms; they are not occupying the same interlateral space within the metals.

Even energy does not occupy the same space at the same time. For example, when photons pass through glass, those photons are passing around the atoms making up that glass. They are not passing through them. In fact, when photons hit atoms they can rebound, which we call reflection, or be absorbed.

If they are absorbed, they combine their energy with the atomic electrons and disappear. But, still, they do not occupy the same space at the same time. Check this out:

"Photons are absorbed in a solid through a process known as the photoelectric effect whereby a photon interacts with an electron by giving all its energy to the electron. In effect, the photon disappears and energy is transferred to an electron. " [See source.]

Therefore, when talking about a "thing" that is a physical entity, like energy and mass, no they cannot occupy the same space at the same time. But other definitions for a thing, like a word reference [See source.] or an idea. For example, there is no such axiom as "no two ideas can occupy the same space at the same time" that I know of.

Answer 3

Depends

Answer 4

depends on how you define two things and the same space

Answer 5

According to the doctor/scientist on Event Horizon, yes.

Answer 6

It's all relative...

Do you mean at the same time? :P