What is the true composition of a space/time vacuum?

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    Composition space/time
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of a "perfect vacuum" within a sealed container, exploring what might be present in such a vacuum and how one could theoretically expel everything from it. The conversation touches on theoretical implications related to spacetime and black holes, as well as philosophical considerations regarding the nature of emptiness and existence.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that a "perfect vacuum" may not be truly empty and could contain existential or philosophical implications.
  • One participant suggests that the term "vacuum" might be too simplistic when discussing black holes and spacetime, arguing that a vacuum could be seen as a complex and active state rather than an absence of matter.
  • A participant shares their background in industrial/mechanical engineering and discusses a fictional concept involving a vessel propelled by a controlled black hole, raising questions about the nature of vacuum and its formation.
  • There is a suggestion that the understanding of vacuum in relation to black holes may reflect more about our knowledge limitations than about the absence of material substance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of a vacuum, with some seeing it as a complex state and others questioning the applicability of the term in the context of black holes. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives on the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached consensus on the definitions or implications of a vacuum, particularly in relation to black holes and spacetime. The discussion includes speculative ideas that may not align with established scientific understanding.

Bullhead
Thought experiment for discussion:
You have a sealed transparent container with a "perfect vacuum" inside of it. 1) List what is inside of the "empty" container. 2) Explain how you might go about expelling EVERYTHING from the container.
 
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You go first... :smile:
 
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berkeman said:
You go first... :smile:
No... 😏
 
LOL. It's necessary for you to post your thoughts (and links to your reading) so we know what your background is. There are several different ways to answer your question, so the more you can tell us about your thoughts on this, the better.
 
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Bullhead said:
Thought experiment for discussion:
You have a sealed transparent container with a "perfect vacuum" inside of it. 1) List what is inside of the "empty" container. 2) Explain how you might go about expelling EVERYTHING from the container.
A perfect vacuum -
An existential crisis,
For spacetime physics?
 
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1) ""
2) remove 1)
 
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berkeman said:
LOL. It's necessary for you to post your thoughts (and links to your reading) so we know what your background is. There are several different ways to answer your question, so the more you can tell us about your thoughts on this, the better.
Not reading, but writing. My background is in industrial/mechanical engineering. I'm retired and have begun writing a science fiction anthology. Throughout it, I would like the reader to be wondering if the plot is actually happening or if it is all taking place inside of the protagonist's head due to a neurological disorder. (Shades of "A Beautiful Mind") Due to this and the fact that it is a work of fiction, I am able to forego probability and even plausibility to some extent, but not possibility.

My reasoning behind my queries has to do with something that will come to fruition near the end of this anthology. It will be a vessel that will be propelled/expelled by a controlled black hole in front of the vessel, pulling it forward, while simultaneously transferring that space/time around the vessel (creating a wormhole) to the rear of the vessel. The controlled dispersion of this causality will then also push the vessel forward. Eventually, the vessels creator and pilot will discover that they can instantly travel to any point in the universe while also staying in the same place.

In consideration of this, I attempted to put a black hole into its simplest terms. To me, this would be a "space/time vacuum". And of course, this led me to the questions of "is the word 'vacuum' too simplistic in this context?" and "how could something like this possibly by formed on a small and controllable scale?".
 
Bullhead said:
I attempted to put a black hole into its simplest terms. To me, this would be a "space/time vacuum".
Well, I think at any layman level it would be the exact opposite of 'vacuum' (which is in fact can be a quite complex and active thing too): it is an area which were stuffed full - and then were stuffed some more till it could not bear it any more.

If 'vacuum' can be connected to black holes, then it's rather the lack of our knowledge, not the lack of ... stuff :wink:
 
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