Can Virtual Electrons Really Just Pop in and Out of Existence?

AI Thread Summary
Electrons and positrons can indeed appear and disappear, challenging the traditional notion of matter conservation. Instead of conservation of matter, the relevant principles are conservation of energy and electric charge, which are upheld through virtual electron-positron pair production. The term "popping in and out of existence" may not fully capture the concept, as electrons exist even when not observed, though their location changes upon measurement. The discussion clarifies that these virtual electrons are not simply moving between atoms but can emerge spontaneously. Understanding these phenomena is crucial for grasping advanced concepts in quantum physics.
omega-centauri
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I am not sure if this is the right place to post this, so please let me know...?

If electrons pop in and out of existence, how does that relate to the law of the conservation of matter? The electrons can't just disappear. Are the electrons just visiting the other element in the molecule? Like with H2O is the electron not popping in and out of existence but not always with the hydrogen atom because sometimes it is with the oxygen atom?

Thank you!
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Yes, electrons and positrons can just appear and disappear. There is no such thing as conservation of matter. What you do have is conservation of energy and electric charge but both of these are conserved by the virtual electron-positron pair production you're talking about.
 
I'm not sure saying the electron "pops in and out of existence" is quite accurate. It will certainly be in a different place whenever you measure it, but I would think it exists even when it isn't being observed.
 
Drakkith, they are talking about virtual electrons that do indeed pop out of nowhere (along with a positron).
 
dauto said:
Drakkith, they are talking about virtual electrons that do indeed pop out of nowhere (along with a positron).

Ah, that would make sense now, wouldn't it?
 
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