What Is the Nature of Vacuum and Empty Space?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the nature of vacuum and empty space, highlighting that pure vacuum, as a state of absolute zero energy, does not exist. Participants note that vacuum has a measurable energy density, with intergalactic space being the closest approximation to a true vacuum, yet still containing quantum fluctuations and virtual particles. The conversation touches on theoretical implications, such as the potential for future technologies to harness vacuum energy for propulsion. Overall, the topic remains complex and unresolved, with ongoing research in string theory and related fields.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics and energy density
  • Familiarity with concepts of vacuum and intergalactic space
  • Knowledge of string theory and its implications
  • Basic principles of thermodynamics, particularly absolute zero
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  • Research quantum fluctuations and their role in vacuum energy
  • Explore string theory and its implications for understanding vacuum
  • Investigate the concept of virtual particles in quantum physics
  • Learn about the thermodynamic properties of vacuum and absolute zero
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Physicists, cosmologists, and anyone interested in the fundamental properties of space and vacuum, as well as those exploring advanced theoretical physics concepts.

iyalcin
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Hi everybody,
I am new to this site. And for this first time I want to ask your thoughts about "space - vacuum". Does anybody have any interest in this area. I mean, the question "what is empty space?" is always there and as far as I know not a complete and satisfactory answer has arosen for this subject.
 
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There isn't one yet. That's what all the study into string, superstring, membrane, pizza, etc. theories is about. (Okay, I made up that last one.)
 
Given that vacuum has a given energy density, or so I've heard, one might conjecture that vacuum is the minimum density of energy necessary to have space, magnetic & eletric & gravitational fields being composed of denser energy, matter being even denser, and zero energy being no space at all.
Perhaps one day we may make an engine that travels a given distance by using the energy in the vacuum thus eliminating space. :smile:
 
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but...okay, are we talking about vacuum as in what's around galaxies etc, or pure vacuum?

as far as i can tell from knowledge and guessings pure vacuum does not exist. Space vacuum temperature is about 7degrees kelvin...but if pure vacuum existed it would be absolute zero...meaning particles would have a motion equal to zero and their energy would equal zero. this means...space would still be there, but not the way we'd think.

maybe since particles do NOTHING the process of time passing will no longuer affect them, in a way slowing time for anything reaching this condition of no movement, no reaction, no energy on nothing. Maybe. i don't know.
 
Primarily, this depends upon what you consider 'vacuum'. Intergalactic space is probably as close as you can get to the real thing, but even then you'll run into an atom now and again. And even where there is absolutely no matter present, you still have quantum fluctuations so that there are virtual particles occupying the space.
 
As far as I know, vacuums are constantly brimming with virtual particles
 
Is it possible to exclude virtual particles from a vacuum location?
 
I don't think so. Uncle Werner would object.
 

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