Dark Matter , Dark energy and the Dirac equation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the implications of the Dirac equation regarding vacuum space and the nature of dark energy. It is established that virtual particles exist in "empty space," contributing to the energy dynamics of the universe. The conversation highlights that dark energy accelerates the expansion of the universe rather than causing it, and emphasizes that energy conservation does not hold globally in an expanding universe. The participants express skepticism about the understanding of dark energy within the physics community.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Dirac equation and its implications in quantum mechanics.
  • Familiarity with concepts of virtual particles and their role in quantum field theory.
  • Knowledge of dark energy and its effects on cosmic expansion.
  • Comprehension of energy conservation laws in the context of cosmology.
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  • Research the implications of the Dirac equation in quantum field theory.
  • Study the role of virtual particles in vacuum energy calculations.
  • Examine the effects of dark energy on the acceleration of the universe's expansion.
  • Explore the principles of energy conservation in cosmological models.
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Physicists, cosmologists, and students of theoretical physics seeking to deepen their understanding of quantum mechanics and the nature of dark energy in the universe.

GaloisGroup
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TL;DR
Does the exponential addition of added energy at universal scales violate conservation?
The Dirac equation suggest that vacuum space is really quite busy with virtual particles popping in then annihilating each other. Even “empty space” contains energy. I am having difficulty with what some folks in the physics community are saying about the universe not being a closed system at scale. Dark energy is causing the creation of more space and hence it seems there is a massive energy imbalance somewhere or, what’s more likely and is obvious; we know nothing about “dark energy” and folks are hand waving. Sorry if this question has already been addressed.
 
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GaloisGroup said:
TL;DR Summary: Does the exponential addition of added energy at universal scales violate conservation?

The Dirac equation suggest that vacuum space is really quite busy with virtual particles popping in then annihilating each other. Even “empty space” contains energy. I am having difficulty with what some folks in the physics community are saying about the universe not being a closed system at scale. Dark energy is causing the creation of more space and hence it seems there is a massive energy imbalance somewhere or, what’s more likely and is obvious; we know nothing about “dark energy” and folks are hand waving. Sorry if this question has already been addressed.
Can you cite a scholarly reference that motivates and supports these statements?
 
GaloisGroup said:
The Dirac equation suggest that vacuum space is really quite busy with virtual particles popping in then annihilating each other.
Virtual particles, by definition, are not real particles. They are only an aid to calculation.
 
Dark energy does not cause expansion. It causes acceleration of the expansion. But a universe void of dark energy could still expand. Energy is not conserved globally in an expanding universe, whether it has dark energy or not.
 
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