Particles in a negative energy region?

In summary, the conversation discusses a speculative idea of a particle with negative energy being created by shooting an ordinary particle through a region of negative energy. This idea was proposed in an attempt to understand how wormholes could be sustained. However, it was later discovered that these particles with negative energy are actually positrons.
  • #1
nomadreid
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This question is unsourced and hence may be wiped out as hearsay, but perhaps some kind person might answer anyway.

I remember (but cannot find the original source) that I once read a speculation that a "particle with negative energy" (not referring to anti-matter, but some sort of exotic matter) might result if one shot an ordinary particle through a region of negative energy (such as between the plates in the Casimir effect). This sounds off the wall to me, but does it have any sense whatsoever?

[The idea of the speculation was to try to figure out how, if wormholes exist, negative energy might be fed to them to prolong their lifetime. Speculation cubed, as it were.]

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Even Dirac had such speculations after the discovered his equation.The particles with negative energy turned out to be positrons.
 

FAQ: Particles in a negative energy region?

1. What are particles in a negative energy region?

Particles in a negative energy region refer to subatomic particles that exist in regions of space where the energy is less than zero. This is a concept in quantum field theory and is often described as particles existing in a state of negative energy.

2. How are particles in a negative energy region different from particles in a positive energy region?

Particles in a negative energy region have several key differences from particles in a positive energy region. For example, particles in a negative energy region can have negative mass, they can travel backwards in time, and they can have a negative charge. These properties are not seen in particles in a positive energy region.

3. Can particles in a negative energy region be observed in experiments?

No, particles in a negative energy region cannot be observed directly in experiments. This is because they are not stable and quickly decay into particles with positive energy. However, their effects can be observed indirectly through various phenomena, such as the Casimir effect.

4. What is the significance of particles in a negative energy region?

Particles in a negative energy region play an important role in quantum field theory and have implications for our understanding of the universe. They are also a key component in theories such as quantum tunneling and the Hawking radiation of black holes.

5. How do particles in a negative energy region relate to antimatter?

Particles in a negative energy region are often associated with antimatter, as both have properties that are opposite to those of particles in a positive energy region. However, particles in a negative energy region are not the same as antimatter and should not be confused with it.

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