I Understanding the 'vacuum fluctuations'

  • Thread starter Thread starter raracon
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Fluctuations
Click For Summary
Vacuum fluctuations refer to temporary changes in energy levels in empty space, leading to the creation of particle-antiparticle pairs. These fluctuations are often misunderstood, with some claiming they are not valid due to misconceptions about quantum mechanics. To explain this concept to an 11th grader, it's essential to simplify the idea that even "empty" space is dynamic and can produce brief bursts of energy. Clarifying the scientific basis behind vacuum fluctuations can help dispel myths and enhance understanding. Overall, accurately conveying these principles is crucial for effective communication in scientific discussions.
raracon
Messages
35
Reaction score
14
Hello!
As you might know or not know I am wroting a paper about the vacuum etc.
Now I am having trouble understanding the fluctuations in the vacuum.

I've seen many tell me that the fluctuations are not correct etc., but why? And how can I phrase it so that someone in 11h grade would understand?
 
Physics news on Phys.org

Thread 'Angular Momentum Vector and Its Magnitude'

For the quantum state ##|l,m\rangle= |2,0\rangle## the z-component of angular momentum is zero and ##|L^2|=6 \hbar^2##. According to uncertainty it is impossible to determine the values of ##L_x, L_y, L_z## simultaneously. However, we know that ##L_x## and ## L_y##, like ##L_z##, get the values ##(-2,-1,0,1,2) \hbar##. In other words, for the state ##|2,0\rangle## we have ##\vec{L}=(L_x, L_y,0)## with ##L_x## and ## L_y## one of the values ##(-2,-1,0,1,2) \hbar##. But none of these...
View full post »

Similar threads

I Are vacuum energy and vacuum fluctuations the same thing?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
907
I Quantum fluctuations & 'virtual particles'
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
B Can anyone help me with my high school paper on vacuum and quantum vacuum?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
935
I Why is the term "fluctuations" objectionable?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K
I Does light consist of oscillating vacuum fluctuations?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
A Cause of spontaneous emission?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
I How strong is the justification for low probability extreme thermal fluctuations?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
393
I Boltzmann brains and limitless energy....
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
I Non-wave solution to wave equation and virtual particles
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
I Relation between quantum fluctuations and vacuum energy?
  • · Replies 75 ·
3
Replies
75
Views
11K