Zero-point energy - a question for you all.

[NoTime]

That would be a good one to keep in mind the next time you design a free energy machine. The Casimir effect is a local effect. You can unbalance any force locally. The net energy of the global system is, however, unchanged.

Isn't it an old argument about if our Universe is open or closed?
If the Universe is open, then the net energy of what we consider the global system could very well be subject to change.
Although perhaps not for the actual global.

It seems that is what Hawking's new work is about anyway.
An attempt to close the global system.

 

[juju]

Hi,

I have heard the Casimir effect explained as an effect of an unbalanced zero point quantum fluctuation pressure on the plates. Since some frequencies of zero point energy would be excluded from between the plates, the pressure on the outside would be greater.

Lately I have read of an explanation of unbalanced electrostatic forces created by the charge matrix of the plates. Since the Casimir effect only works for conductors, some sort of EM force might be involved.

juju

 

[da_willem]

Since the Casimir effect only works for conductors, some sort of EM force might be involved

You're very right! What do you think these 'zero point quantum fluctuations' are?

 

[juju]

You're very right! What do you think these 'zero point quantum fluctuations' are?

I have read more than one explanation of Zero point energy. One explanation is that they are electromagnetic in nature. Another is that the are energy/momentum fluctuations in a sort of GR sense. I don't think anyone know for sure.

juju