Can a region of space be free of energy?

In summary, it is impossible to achieve a true vacuum due to the presence of blackbody radiation and background radiation in interstellar space. This means that every point of space is occupied by some form of energy or its influence, such as gravitational force. Additionally, all energy in the universe is connected in some way and can be seen as one entity composed of different areas of electrical potential.
  • #1
NeilWallace
26
0
I have read that it is impossible to create a true vacuum that is completely free of matter, energy and radiation due to the effect of blackbody radiation.

Also that in interstellar space there is on average 1 hydrogen atom per cubic centimeter (or something like that) and various background radiation.

Does this mean that every point of space is occupied with energy or the influence of energy of some form? Gravitational etc. And no true vacuum however small can exist.

is it also the case that all energy in the universe (what ever it is) must then be in a sense connected if only by its influence on each other.

And so it makes sense to speak of one entity composed different areas of electrical potential.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
Yes, this is true for the same reason that you can't get a temperature of absolute zero kelvin, there will always be some level of heat energy. There is also vacuum energy. Yes, technically, every area in space has some influence on every other area of space, because if nothing else, there is always something in an area of space to contribute to gravity via the stress-energy tensor. As for the electric potential thing, I'm not sure, but it sounds right.
 
  • #3
That's kind of confirmed my suspicion thanks! I just need to learn some of the hard physics to flesh out what's going on.
 

1. Can a region of space truly be devoid of all energy?

Based on the laws of physics, it is highly unlikely for a region of space to be completely free of energy. Even in the vacuum of space, there are still particles and radiation present, which constitute energy. However, it is possible for a region of space to have extremely low energy levels.

2. How can a region of space have no energy if it contains matter?

While matter contains energy, it is possible for a region of space to have no net energy. This means that the positive energy from matter is balanced out by the negative energy from gravity, resulting in a net energy of zero.

3. Can a region of space with no energy exist forever?

In theory, yes. If a region of space has a net energy of zero, it will not experience any changes or disturbances, and can exist indefinitely. However, it is difficult to observe and confirm the existence of such a region.

4. Is it possible for a region of space to have negative energy?

Yes, negative energy is a concept in physics and can exist in certain systems. In fact, it is believed that the expansion of the universe is driven by a type of negative energy known as dark energy.

5. How is the energy in a region of space measured?

Energy in a region of space is typically measured using various instruments and detectors, such as telescopes and satellites. These tools can detect different forms of energy, such as electromagnetic radiation and gravitational waves, and measure their intensity and distribution in space.

Similar threads

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
2
Replies
49
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
13
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
241
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • Quantum Interpretations and Foundations
Replies
0
Views
58
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
30
Views
4K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
1K
Back
Top