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Reflect on Planck Constant
The Planck constant is one of the most important physical constants, with a value that has been known since its discovery by Max Planck in 1899. It relates to two fundamental physical phenomena: quantum physics and special relativity. The Planck constant sets our standards for time, length and mass (or energy).
Quantum physics and relativity are both hard to understand. The Planck constant is the building block of quantum theory, where we deal with the smallest particles - electrons, for example. But it also has some influence on larger objects like cars or even people.
The Planck constant represents the minimum amount of energy needed to perform a quantum action. A quantum action is an action that can only be performed by a single particle. This means that any kind of interaction with another particle or object (like cars colliding) will create larger amounts of energy, which is not possible in a quantum system.
This way, quantum particles can never interact with 'normal' objects and have to remain separate from them. This is why quantum physics is such a strange thing.
The Planck constant also has some influence on relativity. In physics, time and space are two fundamental concepts, which can be expressed in a single mathematical formula. This formula is called the Lorentz transformation.
This formula describes how time and space are related, both in normal situations as well as in cases where forces are involved. One of the best-known examples of a force is gravity.