Spacetime inside Quantum Vacuum or vice versa

In summary, in special relativistic quantum field theory, the quantum vacuum is in spacetime and describes our universe at low energies. However, at high energies, our current understanding of quantum gravity breaks down and theorists are working on a good "UV completion" of quantum gravity. In string theory, which is a candidate for this UV complete theory, spacetime is viewed as an excitation of the quantum vacuum. This suggests that at low energies, the relationship between spacetime and the quantum vacuum may be an approximation and could potentially be false.
  • #1
Alfrez
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Hi,

Is Spacetime inside the Quantum Vacuum or is the Quantum Vacuum inside or fill up Spacetime?
 
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  • #2
In special relativistic quantum field theory, the quantum vacuum is in spacetime. This sort of theory describes our universe at low energies.

At very high energies, our current understanding of quantum gravity breaks down, and theorists are working on a good "UV completion" of quantum gravity. In string theory, which is a candidate UV complete theory of quantum gravity, one view of spacetime is as an excitation of the some quantum vacuum. http://homepage.mac.com/photomorphose/documents/qpdf.pdf [Broken]
 
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  • #3
atyy said:
In special relativistic quantum field theory, the quantum vacuum is in spacetime. This sort of theory describes our universe at low energies.

At very high energies, our current understanding of quantum gravity breaks down, and theorists are working on a good "UV completion" of quantum gravity. In string theory, which is a candidate UV complete theory of quantum gravity, one view of spacetime is as an excitation of the some quantum vacuum. http://homepage.mac.com/photomorphose/documents/qpdf.pdf [Broken]


Since String theory and others state spacetime could be excitation of some quantum vacuum.. it means spacetime is inside the quantum vacuum while in low energies, quantum vacuum is said to be in spacetime. It means the low energies could be just approximation and can be false. Meaning at low energies it is possible that spacetime is also excitation of the quantum vacuum?
 
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1. What is the connection between spacetime and the quantum vacuum?

The quantum vacuum, also known as the vacuum state, is the lowest possible energy state in quantum field theory. Spacetime is the fabric of the universe in which all matter and energy exist. The connection between the two is that spacetime is influenced by the presence of the quantum vacuum, and the quantum vacuum is affected by the curvature of spacetime caused by matter and energy. This interplay between spacetime and the quantum vacuum is essential for understanding the dynamics of the universe at the smallest scales.

2. How does the quantum vacuum affect the concept of spacetime?

The quantum vacuum has a significant impact on the concept of spacetime. According to quantum field theory, the vacuum state is filled with virtual particles that are constantly popping in and out of existence. These particles create a background energy that affects the shape and structure of spacetime. Additionally, the uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics implies that the position and momentum of particles cannot be precisely measured, leading to a fuzzy and non-deterministic nature of spacetime at the quantum level.

3. Can spacetime and the quantum vacuum be studied separately?

No, they cannot be studied separately. Understanding the relationship between spacetime and the quantum vacuum requires a unified theory that can describe both at the same time. Many scientists are currently working on developing such a theory, known as quantum gravity, which would reconcile the theories of general relativity and quantum mechanics.

4. How does the concept of time change in the quantum vacuum?

In the quantum vacuum, time as we know it may lose its meaning. According to quantum mechanics, time is not a fundamental concept but rather an emergent property that arises from the interactions between particles. In the quantum vacuum, where particles are constantly popping in and out of existence, the concept of time becomes fuzzy and uncertain. The concept of a smooth and continuous spacetime may also break down at the quantum level.

5. What are the potential implications of understanding the relationship between spacetime and the quantum vacuum?

Understanding the interplay between spacetime and the quantum vacuum could have significant implications for our understanding of the fundamental nature of the universe. It could also lead to breakthroughs in technologies such as quantum computing and space travel. Additionally, a complete theory of quantum gravity could help us understand and potentially solve some of the most significant mysteries of the universe, such as the origin of the universe and the nature of black holes.

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