Is Space Really a Vacuum and Does it Determine the Size of the Universe?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of a vacuum in space and its implications for the size of the universe. Participants explore whether a vacuum can be considered "nothing" and how this relates to the concept of an infinite universe.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that if a vacuum is truly "absolutely nothing," it would imply that there is no edge to the universe, leading to the conclusion that the universe is infinite.
  • Others argue against the notion that a vacuum is empty, stating that experiments demonstrate the vacuum is not devoid of content.
  • One participant notes that the question of whether a vacuum is nothing does not necessarily affect the question of the universe's infinitude.
  • A later reply indicates that the connection between space as a vacuum and the universe may be relevant to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of a vacuum's nature for the universe's size, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without consensus.

Contextual Notes

Some claims rely on interpretations of experimental evidence regarding the vacuum, which may depend on specific definitions and assumptions about what constitutes "nothing."

pikapika!
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if a vacuum is really absoloutly nothing wouldn't that mean there is no edge of of the universe and so the universe is infinite.
 
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pikapika! said:
if a vacuum is really absoloutly nothing wouldn't that mean there is no edge of of the universe and so the universe is infinite.


The vacuum is NOT empty...it is a common mistake to think that. Besides, we even have experiments that prove, the vacuum is not empty...

https://www.physicsforums.com/journal.php?s=&action=view&journalid=13790&perpage=10&page=2

scroll down until you come at the "string theory part 1"-entry and read to first two paragrafs. they will explain you why the vacuum is not empty...

enjoy

regards
marlon
 
Last edited by a moderator:
And whether or not a vacuum is nothing is irrelevant to whether or not the universe is infinite.
 
russ_watters said:
And whether or not a vacuum is nothing is irrelevant to whether or not the universe is infinite.
well, I think he was eluding to the idea that space is a vacuum and he sort of connected space and the universe together...
 

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