Can someone explain to me how a false vacuum works?

In summary, a false vacuum is a theoretical state of vacuum that is not quite a true vacuum. It may be caused by various fields and may lead to the collapse of the current universe.
  • #1
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Can someone explain to me how a false vacuum works?

Thanks
 
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  • #2


A "false" vacuum? I don't recognize that. Could it possibly be "imperfect" vacuum- which just means "not quite a true vacuum".
 
  • #3


HallsofIvy said:
A "false" vacuum? I don't recognize that. Could it possibly be "imperfect" vacuum- which just means "not quite a true vacuum".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_vacuum

I know it's not a true vacuum, but I want to know why this is?
 
  • #4
False vacuum refers to an unstable state of vacuum. Just as a radioactive nucleus may radomly decay via tunneling, as in beta decay, a much larger portion of the nuclear energy may be suddenly released in a nuclear explosion...A false vacumm may also suddenly undergo a transition to a lower energy state:

From Dr Kaku, HYPERSPACE, PAGES 209-211

A false vacuum is a theoretical concept in which a state of maximum symmetry exists, like right near the big bang when all forces were one, but it's at an unstable (false) higher level of energy...so it's a high energy vacuum state likely to randomly break down to a lower energy state. This breakdown is called a phase transition and corresponds to symmetry breaking... dissolution of a single unified force into many...

(Think of a pencil balanced on it's point on a table...unstable high potential energy, high symmetry...it falls: lower energy, symmetry broken, stable until it rolls off the table.)

"Regarding superstring theory, physicsts assume (but cannot yet prove) that the original ten dimensional universe was unstable and tunneled its way to a four and six dimensional universe"

False vacuum transition is probably the same thing as the cosmological constant...maybe quantum tunneling can change the state of a nascent quantum environment...as just after the big bang...and power the expansion of the universe...

The false vacuum may be the previous generation of vacuum from which the current generation of Universe arises. You can also call it the vacuum of the pre-inflational era.

The 'false vacuum' is a reference to the notion that the cosmological constant is a function of various fields and that our universe's state, though stable over long periods of time, isn't totally stable and that there exists another semi-stable field configuration with a lower cosmological constant...maybe we'll transition to another form of dimensionality and time in a another sudden change...and we'll all disappear in the creation of the next stage universe.
 

1. What is a false vacuum?

A false vacuum is a theoretical concept in quantum field theory, where the vacuum state of a particle field is not the true lowest energy state. It is also known as a metastable state, as it is not completely stable and can collapse into a lower energy state at any time.

2. How does a false vacuum work?

A false vacuum works by having a higher energy state than the true vacuum state. This is caused by an imbalance in the energy levels of the particles within the field. The false vacuum is maintained by a delicate balance of forces, but it can collapse into a lower energy state if enough energy is added to the system.

3. What are the consequences of a false vacuum collapse?

If a false vacuum were to collapse, it could have catastrophic consequences for the universe. It could trigger a phase transition, causing the universe to rapidly expand and potentially destroy all matter within it. This phenomenon is referred to as vacuum decay and is a subject of ongoing research in theoretical physics.

4. Can a false vacuum be created artificially?

Currently, there is no known way to artificially create a false vacuum. It is a natural occurrence in the universe, and scientists are still trying to understand its properties and behavior. However, some theories suggest that a false vacuum could be created in a laboratory setting with extremely high energy and precise conditions.

5. How does the concept of a false vacuum relate to the Big Bang theory?

The concept of a false vacuum is often used in cosmology to explain the rapid expansion of the universe during the Big Bang. It is believed that the early universe was in a false vacuum state, which then collapsed, releasing a massive amount of energy and causing the universe to expand. This theory is still being studied and refined by scientists.

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