Is the following correct about virtual particles

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the nature of virtual particles, particularly in relation to their existence and behavior in different contexts, including black holes. Participants explore the implications of quantum indeterminacy and the potential for virtual particles to behave differently near black hole horizons.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether anything besides virtual particles could come into existence from "nothing," leading to a response about virtual particles arising from quantum indeterminacy and the conservation of energy.
  • Another participant suggests that while the general understanding of virtual particles is correct, there may be exceptions at the boundary of black holes.
  • A further inquiry is made about how the behavior of virtual particles might differ at a black hole boundary.
  • It is proposed that near a black hole horizon, a virtual particle pair could result in one particle being trapped while the other escapes, potentially leading to Hawking radiation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the basic principles of virtual particles but acknowledge that their behavior may differ in the context of black holes, indicating a lack of consensus on the specifics of these differences.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the implications of virtual particles in extreme gravitational fields or the exact mechanisms of Hawking radiation, leaving these areas open for further exploration.

thenewguy1
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On yahoo I asked if "since virtual particles cone to existence out of nothing. Is it possible that anything else ( discovered or not yet discovered in any universe) would be able to do the same, besides other virtual particles "

And I got this answer

Is it correct?

"No. Virtual particles are simply the result of quantum indeterminancy. It is not possible for empty space to have exactly zero energy, so virtual particles continually pop into existence, only to annihilate again a sliver of a second later. If they didn't annihilate, it would violate the conservation of energy."
 
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True in general, but at a black hole boundary things may be a little different.
 
mathman said:
True in general, but at a black hole boundary things may be a little different.

In what way may it be a little different
 
thenewguy1 said:
In what way may it be a little different


Stated very loosely, a virtual particle pair in the vicinity of a black hole horizon has the potential for one particle to remain trapped, while the other escapes and becomes "real". The black hole thereby radiates energy - hawking radiation.
 

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