What Does Empty Space Really Mean?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of "empty space" and its implications, exploring the definitions and interpretations of "vacuum" and the nature of space itself. Participants engage in both conceptual and technical reasoning regarding the characteristics of empty space.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion about the term "empty space" and question how space can be considered "empty."
  • One participant suggests that the notion of empty space is a pessimistic view, proposing instead that space is full of "space."
  • Another participant argues that it seems impossible to have truly empty space and questions how one would identify it.
  • A technical explanation is provided regarding the properties of empty space, including its permeability, permittivity, impedance, and the velocity of light, while also noting the presence of various phenomena like dark matter and cosmic rays.
  • Humor is introduced with a comment about the "collective intellect" of in-laws being part of what exists in empty space.
  • A brief mention of the Higgs field is made, suggesting a potential connection to the discussion of empty space.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the nature of empty space, with multiple competing views and interpretations presented throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights various assumptions about the definitions of "empty" and "space," as well as the implications of physical theories that may not be fully resolved or agreed upon by all participants.

curioussoul09
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What is "empty space"?

I always hear this term: "empty space." It is synonymous with "vacuum," but I am having trouble understanding either of these two ideas.

How can space be "empty?"
 
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curioussoul09 said:
I always hear this term: "empty space." It is synonymous with "vacuum," but I am having trouble understanding either of these two ideas.

How can space be "empty?"

that's the pessimist view :rolleyes:

I think that space is full, of …

well …

space! :smile:
 


I would think it is impossible to have a truly empty space.

Edit

How would one find it?
 


The permeability of empty space is u0 Henrys per meter, and the permittivity of empty space is e0 Farads per meter, so the impedance of empty space is sqrt(u0 / e0)) = 377 ohms, and the velocity of light is sqrt(1 /(u0 e0)) = 2.9979 x 108 meters per sec. Other than that its pretty much nothing at all (except dark matter, dark energy, neutrinos, cosmic rays, microwaves, gravity, photons, etc.)
 
Last edited:


Bob S said:
Other than that its pretty much nothing at all (except dark matter, dark energy, neutrinos, cosmic rays, microwaves, gravity, photons, etc.)

You can add the collective intellect of my in-laws to that list...
 


higgs field
 

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