Opposite to the cosmic level, in the quantum world, the smallest distance that makes sense is the [[Planck length]]; at this level space-time itself becomes extremely distorted ([[quantum foam]]). Here the uncertainty principle allows particles and energy to briefly come into existence, and then annihilate, without violating conservation laws . Beyond the [[Planck time]] (1.855×10<sup>43</sup>), time itself as we know it is meaningless. | Opposite to the cosmic level, in the quantum world, the smallest distance that makes sense is the [[Planck length]]; at this level space-time itself becomes extremely distorted ([[quantum foam]]). Here the uncertainty principle allows particles and energy to briefly come into existence, and then annihilate, without violating conservation laws . Beyond the [[Planck time]] (1.855×10<sup>43</sup>), time itself as we know it is meaningless. |