The maximum distinctness of physical systems

Abstract

The limited distinctness of physical systems is roughly expressed by uncertainty relations. Here we show distinctness is a finite resource we can exactly count to define basic physical quantities, limits to the resolution of space and time, and informational foundations for classical mechanics. Our analysis generalizes quantum speed limits: we count the distinct (orthogonal) states that can occur in a finite length of unitary change. As in Nyquist's bound on distinct signal values in classical waves, widths of superpositions bound the distinct states per unit length -- and basic conserved quantities are widths. Maximally distinct unitary evolution is effectively discrete -- and this characterizes classical systems. [see also Popular Summary in arxiv ancillary files]