Is Empty Space Truly Void of Energy and Matter?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the nature of empty space and whether it can truly be devoid of energy and matter. Participants explore the implications of gravitational and electromagnetic fields in relation to the concept of empty space, questioning the feasibility of detecting such a void.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether true empty space exists, suggesting that the absence of matter, energy, or fields is a challenging concept.
  • One participant argues that gravity is omnipresent, implying that space without a gravitational field cannot exist.
  • Another participant notes that detecting the absence of things is more difficult than detecting their presence, indicating the complexity of the question.
  • It is mentioned that electromagnetic radiation also fills space, further arguing against the notion of space being without energy.
  • A participant suggests that the original question has been sufficiently addressed, implying that further discussion may lead to speculation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the existence of empty space, with some asserting that it cannot exist due to the presence of fields, while others question the ability of science to definitively answer the question. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the difficulty in defining "empty space" and the implications of gravitational and electromagnetic fields, suggesting that assumptions about what constitutes emptiness may vary.

vivekfw66
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Is there in reality empty space where there is no energy or matter? or has anyone seen or detected it?
 
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The concept of empty space would require a space devoid of matter, energy, or, more importantly fields. Gravity permeates the entire universe, so, the concept of space without the presence of a gravitational field is invalid.
 
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vivekfw66 said:
Is there in reality empty space where there is no energy or matter? or has anyone seen or detected it?
This is not really a question that science can answer.

AM
 
Detecting the absence of things is lots harder than detecting the presence of things.

It's a commonly asked question though. I see it here about once a month. Usually folks ask about regions with no matter, I think because they already get that, as Chronos pointed out, there isn't anywhere without fields.
 
EM radiation permeates space just as well as gravity does. So there is definitely no such thing as space without energy.
 
The OP has been answered. Now we are just inviting speculation.
 

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