Negative pressure in quantum mechanics

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of negative pressure in quantum mechanics, specifically highlighting the Casimir effect as a phenomenon that demonstrates this principle. Participants clarify that while vacuum energy typically exerts positive pressure, the Casimir effect results in net negative forces acting on parallel plates due to the imbalance of forces inside and outside the plates. This leads to a compressive force that effectively illustrates negative pressure in a quantum context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with the Casimir effect
  • Knowledge of vacuum energy and its properties
  • Basic grasp of force dynamics in physics
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  • Research the mathematical formulation of the Casimir effect
  • Explore the implications of vacuum energy in quantum field theory
  • Study the relationship between negative pressure and cosmological models
  • Investigate experimental setups demonstrating the Casimir effect
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Physicists, quantum mechanics students, and researchers interested in advanced concepts of vacuum energy and its applications in theoretical physics.

relativityfan
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hi,

which phenomena is known in quantum mechanics to cause a negative pressure?

as far as I know, the vacuum energy of the time energy uncertainty has a very low energy density but it should have a positive pressure because it pushes and not pulls, am i right? so which phenomena actually demonstrates a real negative pressure in quantum mechanics?

thank you for your reply!
 
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Hi.

How about Cashimir effect? Net negative forces work on a pair of parallel plates.

Regards.
 
as far as I know, the vacuum energy of the time energy uncertainty has a very low energy density but it should have a positive pressure because it pushes and not pulls, am i right? so which phenomena actually demonstrates a real negative pressure in quantum mechanics?
As sweet springs said above: the Casimir effect. When you have some area of space, then you have a pushing force outside it and a pushing force inside, but the former is bigger. So you have a force that tries to smash any area of space.
 

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