What's the theoretically smallest distance something could travel, and how would this occur?

Question

How does motion occur at the subatomic-level? Could a subatomic-particle theoretically move a distance smaller than itself?

Sorry, I'll rephrase that.

If you analyzed the motion of an object, for instance, what's the smallest theoretically possible distance it could move? What I mean is, wouldn't you eventually get to a point so small that it just "appears" in a different distance, much like in examining the frames of a film?

I have an inkling feeling no-one will understand what I'm asking here.

I should add, in case anyone failed to figure out, my knowledge of physics is next to nothing!

Answer 1

That's an interesting question. There is no limit to how small a distance an object can move 'in theory.' For example, if you face a wall and travel half the distance to it then half the distance again and again, theoretically you (or any small object) will never reach the wall.

For practical purposes, once you get close enough to the wall, even leaning slightly will complete the trip.

Most interestingly though (and the point you are likely exploring) is that on a very small scale, objects do not have a certain fixed location. For example we 'see' where things are by observing reflected light but light (photons) striking an electron can change its location. Quantum scientists maintain that for very small objects (electrons, etc.) it is not even possible to know both the location and the velocity of such a particle at the same time (take your pick!). George Gamov had an elegant description of an imaginary elephant hunt (from the back of an elephant). Because the elephant was huge, its skin was only slightly blurry. The rifle being much smaller seemed to point in several directions over a short period of time, but the bullet when fired (being very small indeed) seemed to fly everywhere and nowhere only hitting the 'target' on average. He claimed that a car could 'leak' out of a garage but being huge it was extroadinarily improbable. However, electrons being very small can leak in fact (because of the uncertainty of their location) and it is called the 'tunnel' effect and quite useful with some transistors.

Answer 2

I think I understand what you are asking. There is no answer to your question. I have no knowledge of physics at all. But I do remember something I was taught in school called "infinity". Remember? There is no "largest" number due to infinity. They keep going forever, right? So do fractions. If you keep slicing that fraction smaller and smaller, you still run into good old "infinity". Infinity works both ways from my understanding, on either end of the numeric spectrum. Since there is no "largest" number, there can be no "smallest" fraction or distance. Therefore, you are correct in assuming that you would eventually get to a point so small that it just appears like the frames of a film.

Answer 3

it would take tens of millions of years at present technologies to bypass to Andromeda, the closest galaxy. So on the 2d, it incredibly is impossible. it would even take years to bypass to precise places of our own image voltaic device. Many have faith that vacationing on the fee of sunshine is impossible and function super reason to think of so. I won't say "in no way" for it, nonetheless. it ought to be achieveable interior the some distance, some distance destiny if we a technique or the different decide a manner. yet as for now that is impossible.

Answer 4

the smallest distance is that of a quantum jump of an electron from one layer to another - and is caused by the imput of energy (if it jumps outwards) or by instability and the release of energy (if inwards)