Planck Temperature

Background

The Planck temperature is 1.416784(16)×10^32 K. At this temperature, the wavelength of light emitted by thermal radiation reaches the Planck length. There are no known physical models able to describe temperatures greater than TP; a quantum theory of gravity would be required to model the extreme energies attained. Hypothetically, a system in thermal equilibrium at the Planck temperature might contain Planck-scale black holes, constantly being formed from thermal radiation and decaying via Hawking evaporation. Adding energy to such a system might decrease its temperature by creating larger black holes, whose Hawking temperature is lower. Physics based on Einstein’s universal model start to come apart at the seams when that temperature is reached. At temperatures that high, particle energies increase to a point where their gravitational forces are as substantial as any other kinds of fundamental forces. Gravity, electromagnetism, strong nuclear forces and weak nuclear forces combine into a single, unified force. This is essentially the closest thing to the opposite to Absolute Zero in theoretical physics.

Also Called

• Planck Energy
• Planck Heat
• Planck-scale Temperature
• Maximum Temperature

Possible Applications

• Theoretical Cosmology: Planck Temperature is essential in the study of the early universe, as it represents the conditions shortly after the Big Bang, where quantum gravity and unified field theories are believed to have played a crucial role.
• Quantum Gravity Models: The Planck Temperature is a boundary where quantum gravity is expected to take over, offering a potential realm for theorists to develop a theory of quantum gravity. If a workable model of quantum gravity were to emerge, the Planck Temperature might serve as a boundary for experiments or simulations in high-energy physics.
• Understanding Singularities: Planck Temperature could be key in understanding black holes and the behavior of singularities, as these objects are believed to exist at or near the Planck scale.
• Creation of Micro Black Holes: In highly energetic environments, such as particle colliders in the future, it might be possible to achieve conditions similar to the Planck Temperature, potentially leading to the creation of micro black holes. These micro black holes could have interesting implications for high-energy physics and might give us insight into quantum gravity.

Potential Types

• Planck Temperature (Standard): The maximum temperature theoretically possible, where the effects of quantum gravity dominate, and all fundamental forces converge into one unified force.
• Theoretical High-Energy States: Some models propose "super-high-energy" conditions that might approach or mimic the effects of Planck Temperature in the behavior of particles, fields, or spacetime under extreme conditions. These are not true Planck-scale temperatures but may exhibit similar characteristics in terms of force unification.

Possible Limitations

• Lack of a Quantum Gravity Model: At the Planck Temperature, no current physical model can adequately describe the conditions that arise. Classical physics and quantum mechanics break down, and a quantum theory of gravity is necessary to understand what happens at this temperature.
• Disintegration of Matter: At or above the Planck Temperature, the energy involved is so immense that matter as we understand it would not hold together. Conventional matter would likely be destroyed, and the usual concepts of atoms, molecules, and particles would no longer apply.
• Technological Limitations: We currently have no means of reaching Planck Temperature. The energies required are far beyond our current technological capabilities, and the creation of such temperatures is not feasible with any current methods or devices.
• Extreme Gravitational Forces: The forces at the Planck Temperature are so strong that they would likely induce gravitational collapse, creating black holes. The temperature's effects cannot be replicated without resorting to quantum gravity models, and even in a theoretical sense, achieving or simulating such conditions would require technology we do not currently possess.

Note

The Planck Temperature exists purely in the realm of theoretical physics, as no practical experiments or scenarios exist to directly observe or manipulate this temperature. Theoretical physicists hypothesize that it represents a boundary beyond which current models of physics break down. Understanding and manipulating the Planck Temperature would require breakthroughs in quantum gravity, something that remains an unsolved challenge in modern science.