Negative pressure in quantum mechanics

So the Casimir effect is known in quantum mechanics to cause a negative pressure.In summary, the Casimir effect is a known phenomenon in quantum mechanics that causes a negative pressure due to the unequal pushing forces inside and outside a given area of space.
  • #1
relativityfan
75
0
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!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hi.

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

Regards.
 
  • #3
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.
 

FAQ: Negative pressure in quantum mechanics

What is negative pressure in quantum mechanics?

Negative pressure in quantum mechanics refers to a phenomenon where the pressure exerted by a system is in the opposite direction of an applied force. This is in contrast to positive pressure, where the pressure is in the same direction as the applied force.

What causes negative pressure in quantum mechanics?

Negative pressure in quantum mechanics can be caused by various factors such as the repulsive forces between particles, the presence of a vacuum, or the properties of the quantum vacuum itself.

What are the implications of negative pressure in quantum mechanics?

Negative pressure has significant implications in various fields of physics, including cosmology and the study of dark energy. It also plays a role in the behavior of matter at extremely high temperatures, such as in the early universe or in particle accelerators.

Can negative pressure be observed in experiments?

Yes, negative pressure has been observed in experiments involving Bose-Einstein condensates and in the behavior of dark energy. However, it is not directly observable in the same way as other physical quantities such as temperature or pressure.

How does negative pressure impact the behavior of matter?

Negative pressure can lead to counterintuitive effects on the behavior of matter, such as the acceleration of the expansion of the universe or the repulsion of particles. It also plays a crucial role in the stability and properties of various systems, including stars and galaxies.

Back
Top