Does physics allow us to create large amounts of negative energy?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the possibility of creating large amounts of negative energy, particularly in the context of theoretical applications such as stabilizing wormholes, enabling faster-than-light (FTL) travel, and time travel. Participants explore the implications of negative energy in gravitational fields and other contexts, examining both theoretical and practical aspects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the Casimir effect allows for the creation of negative energy density, but only in small amounts.
  • One participant suggests that negative energy can be gained by defining the zero point of potential energy far from a gravitational source, allowing for arbitrarily large negative energy as one falls towards it.
  • Another participant questions the utility of negative energy in gravitational fields, arguing that it cannot stabilize wormholes or enable FTL travel.
  • There is a discussion about the definition of negative energy and its arbitrary nature, with some arguing that gravitational potential is a valid form of negative energy.
  • One participant introduces the concept of negative electrical and nuclear energy, suggesting that energy can be harnessed when a system drops lower in a potential well.
  • Several participants express skepticism about the feasibility of creating negative energy that could achieve the proposed theoretical applications.
  • One participant emphasizes that without a well-constructed candidate theory and experimental evidence, claims about negative energy leading to advanced technologies remain speculative.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the feasibility and utility of negative energy, particularly in relation to advanced theoretical applications. There is no consensus on whether large amounts of negative energy can be created or if it can serve the purposes discussed.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the speculative nature of the claims regarding negative energy and its applications, as well as the dependence on definitions of energy and potential. The discussion does not resolve the mathematical or theoretical underpinnings of the claims made.

Bawelna
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Hello.
Casimir effect allows to create negative-energy-density (NED), but ONLY SMALL AMOUNTS of it. I wonder if physics generally allows for the existence of negative energy in large quantities. I think that if the negative energy can be produced in small quantities, it can also occur in larger quantities. If it's possible, how to achieve it? Thanks!
 
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Bawelna said:
If it's possible, how to achieve it?
E.g. by defining the 0 point of potential energy as being far away from the source of gravity (a standard practice). Then you gain negative energy as you fall down towards that source. You can get arbitrarily large negative energy by using arbitrarily large masses.
 
But I think that negative energy in gravitational field is useless (it can not stabilize wormholes, allow FTL travel etc.). I'm right?
 
Bawelna said:
But I think that negative energy in gravitational field is useless (it can not stabilize wormholes, allow FTL travel etc.). I'm right?

But isn't part of your original question. You asked if we can create "negative energy". Since the "zero" of such energy can be defined arbitrarily, then a gravitational potential is as valid as any.

And since when is gravitational field useless? Have you looked a water dam lately?

Zz.
 
Negative Electrical Energy is what produces the heat output from chemical processes and Negative Nuclear Energy gives us Nuclear Power. Whenever a system Energy drops lower in a potential well, Energy may be available to 'use'.
 
Writing this post I meant the negative energy that can stabilize wormholes , allow FTL travel , time travel . I ask about the possibility of creating negative energy that would be able to do this.
 
Bawelna said:
Writing this post I meant the negative energy that can stabilize wormholes , allow FTL travel , time travel . I ask about the possibility of creating negative energy that would be able to do this.

What physics are you using to somehow connect "negative energy" to "...stabilize wormholes , allow FTL travel , time travel..."

Please note that your example of the Casimir energy DOES NOT lead to any of these things.

Zz.
 
So it is impossible?
 
Bawelna said:
So it is impossible?
According to all known and reasonably conjectured physics (which is the only kind we discuss here), yes, it is impossible.

It possible that some new physics will be discovered in the future changes this... But it's also possible that some new physics will be discovered in the future that allows purple fairies to materialize out of this thin air. Without a well-constructed candidate theory and some experimental evidence, both possibilities are equally idle speculation.

This thread is closed.
 
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