Is a perfect vacuum truly achievable in reality?

[papernuke]

Let's say there is a chamber with 1000 O₂ molecules. According to wikipedia, a perfect vacuum is an arbitrary space in which there is an absence of matter. Of course, the space that consists of the entire volume inside the chamber isn't a vacuum because of those 1000 molecules, but then isn't it true that somewhere, in a non-zero volume that is a subset of the volume of the entire container, there would be a perfect vacuum?

In other words, since those 1000 individual molecules can't take up the volume of the entire chamber, aren't there going to be volumes within the chamber in which no matter exists?

 

[Drakkith]

Of course. The spaces between the molecules are empty and therefore a perfect vacuum.

 

[papernuke]

Why is it considered "impossible" to create a perfect vacuum, then? Is it because the volume considered for the perfect vacuum is the entire volume of the chamber?

 

[Drakkith]

Why is it considered "impossible" to create a perfect vacuum, then? Is it because the volume considered for the perfect vacuum is the entire volume of the chamber?

Exactly.

 

[pmacias]

I would say that the concept of a perfect vacuum is a theoretical ideal that is difficult to achieve in reality. While it is possible to create a space where the number of particles is extremely low, such as in outer space, there will always be some level of matter present. Even in the example given, while there may be pockets of space with no matter, the overall chamber still contains a significant number of molecules.

Furthermore, the concept of a perfect vacuum also raises questions about the nature of space itself. Is it truly possible for a space to be completely empty, or is there always some underlying energy or fluctuations present? These are still areas of ongoing research and debate in the scientific community.

In summary, while the idea of a perfect vacuum may exist in theory, it is difficult to achieve in reality and raises deeper questions about the nature of space. As scientists, we continue to study and explore these concepts in order to better understand the universe around us.