I really need a definitive answer to the HUP/vacuum/pair production problem.

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In summary, there is a lot of confusion surrounding the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle (HUP) and its implications. The HUP states that the more precisely we know the position of a particle, the less precisely we can know its momentum, and vice versa. This is not a result of measurement, but rather an intrinsic property of the quantum state. The Casimir effect and pair production are examples of this uncertainty, and while they may appear to be something from nothing, they are simply manifestations of statistical uncertainty. The idea that the Big Bang could have happened out of "nothing" via quantum fluctuations is a possibility, but the ultimate question of why there is something rather than nothing remains unanswered.
  • #1
SeventhSigma
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I hear different things all over the place and would like to clear up the confusion:

So I understand that, under HUP, position and momentum are things we can't know with arbitrary precision at the same time because momentum implies a measure of wavelength, but measuring wavelength means we're intrinsically introducing an uncertainty in position based on the probability function defined by that wave.

When we talk about the Casimir effect and particles popping in and out of existence (even in "empty space"), do we say we can really get something from nothing? Or do we say it's simply consistent with HUP?

Does pair production imply that the Big Bang could happen out of "nothing" via quantum fluctuations? Or does pair-production only make sense with respect to our universal framework as opposed to the creation of that framework itself?
 
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  • #2
I would not say it is something from nothing, rather just a statistical uncertainty. If you are uncertain where you left your keys and then you find them in the couch, it does not mean the keys were a manifestation of the couch.
 
  • #3
SeventhSigma said:
So I understand that, under HUP, position and momentum are things we can't know with arbitrary precision at the same time because momentum implies a measure of wavelength, but measuring wavelength means we're intrinsically introducing an uncertainty in position based on the probability function defined by that wave.
This is missleading. The HUP has nothing to do with measurement. It's not the measurement that introduces the uncertainty, but the uncertainty is an intrinsic mathematical property of the quantum state itself w/o any interaction or measurement.
 
  • #4
SeventhSigma said:
Does pair production imply that the Big Bang could happen out of "nothing" via quantum fluctuations?

It is possible. I think the concept is that events like this happen from time to time. :smile:

No one really knows why there is something rather than nothing. Too big a question for my tiny brain.
 

What is the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle (HUP)?

The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle is a fundamental principle in quantum mechanics that states that it is impossible to know the exact position and momentum of a particle at the same time. In other words, the more precisely we know the position of a particle, the less precisely we can know its momentum and vice versa.

What is the vacuum/pair production problem?

The vacuum/pair production problem refers to the phenomenon in quantum field theory where virtual particles can spontaneously appear and disappear in empty space. This creates a constant fluctuation in the energy density of the vacuum, which can lead to the creation of real particles and potential energy density divergences.

How does the HUP relate to the vacuum/pair production problem?

The HUP is closely related to the vacuum/pair production problem because it sets a limit on our ability to precisely measure the energy density of the vacuum. This makes it difficult to fully understand and accurately predict the effects of virtual particles on the vacuum energy density.

What is the current understanding of the HUP/vacuum/pair production problem?

The HUP/vacuum/pair production problem is still an area of active research in quantum field theory. There are various theoretical approaches and models that attempt to address and explain this phenomenon, but a definitive answer is still elusive.

What impact does the HUP/vacuum/pair production problem have on our understanding of the universe?

The HUP/vacuum/pair production problem has a significant impact on our understanding of the fundamental nature of matter and the universe. It challenges our traditional understanding of empty space and raises questions about the role of virtual particles in the creation and evolution of the universe.

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