Does there exist a state of zero total energy?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of achieving a state of zero total energy within physical systems. It asserts that while a pure vacuum may theoretically contain zero energy, the presence of mass, which is equivalent to energy, inherently prevents any state with particles from having zero total energy. Measurements may suggest zero total energy, but this does not imply the system genuinely possesses it, particularly when considering the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle (HUP). The possibility of a circumstance where the uncertainty in energy is perfectly zero is also explored, suggesting that under specific conditions, a claim of zero energy might be feasible.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle (HUP)
  • Familiarity with concepts of mass-energy equivalence
  • Knowledge of quantum vacuum states
  • Basic principles of quantum mechanics
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  • Research the implications of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the concept of quantum vacuum states and their properties
  • Study mass-energy equivalence as described by Einstein's theory
  • Investigate experimental methods for measuring energy states in quantum systems
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Physicists, quantum mechanics students, and researchers interested in the fundamental principles of energy and vacuum states in physics.

Loren Booda
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Counting contributions from mass, spin, etc., is there a physical circumstance of zero total energy?
 
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In principle, I don't see why there could not be a pure vacuum (a region containing zero energy).

But obviously, since even mass itself is equivalent to energy, any state including a particle cannot have zero total energy.
 
Can we make a measurement of zero total energy? Sure. Can we therefore imply that the system (or physical circumstance if you like) has zero total energy? I don't think so, not if you account for the HUP.

Could you get a circumstance where the uncertainty in energy is perfectly zero perhaps? Then it may be possible to claim a circumstance zero energy is possible.

Claude.
 

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