Vac fluct e+/e- field correlated because charge conservation

In summary: So, in summary, the fluctuations of the electron/positron field are not correlated in space and time because of charge conservation, and the idea of charge popping into existence is not supported by QFT. These concepts only arise in theoretical calculations, but do not reflect observable reality.
  • #1
Spinnor
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Are fluctuations of the electron/positron field correlated in space and time because of charge conservation? We can't just have some positive charge just pop into existence, even if only for a moment?

Thanks for any help!
 
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  • #2
You might need to give a bit more background to your question. I'm not sure if you're asking a very advanced question related to the Reeh--Schlieder theorem, or a very basic question that could be answered by saying: "no, QFT respects special relativity and associated conservation laws".
 
  • #3
strangerep said:
You might need to give a bit more background to your question. I'm not sure if you're asking a very advanced question related to the Reeh--Schlieder theorem, or a very basic question that could be answered by saying: "no, QFT respects special relativity and associated conservation laws".

Probably not the advanced question! If the electron/positron field can fluctuate, then charge is created, and it must be created in equal and opposite amounts?
 
  • #4
Spinnor said:
Probably not the advanced question! If the electron/positron field can fluctuate, then charge is created, and it must be created in equal and opposite amounts?
Those "vacuum fluctuations", "virtual particles", etc, etc, that you've probably been reading about are merely unphysical artifacts that arise in intermediate stages of archane mathematical calculations in QFT. It's a mistake to attribute physical reality to them.
 

Related to Vac fluct e+/e- field correlated because charge conservation

1. What is Vac fluct e+/e- field correlation?

Vac fluct e+/e- field correlation refers to the phenomenon where the presence of a positive (e+) or negative (e-) electric charge in a vacuum results in the creation of an electric field that is correlated with the charge. This correlation is a consequence of charge conservation, which states that the total amount of electric charge in a closed system remains constant.

2. How does charge conservation relate to Vac fluct e+/e- field correlation?

Charge conservation is the underlying principle behind Vac fluct e+/e- field correlation. This principle states that the total amount of electric charge in a closed system cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or redistributed. Therefore, the presence of a positive or negative charge in a vacuum must result in the creation of an electric field to maintain the conservation of charge.

3. What is the significance of Vac fluct e+/e- field correlation?

The correlation between Vac fluct e+/e- fields and electric charges is significant because it helps to explain the behavior of particles in a vacuum and the interactions between them. It also has implications in quantum field theory and the study of fundamental particles.

4. Can Vac fluct e+/e- field correlation be observed in experiments?

Yes, Vac fluct e+/e- field correlation has been observed in various experiments, such as the Schwinger effect and the Casimir effect. These experiments demonstrate the effects of Vac fluct e+/e- fields on the behavior of particles in a vacuum.

5. How does Vac fluct e+/e- field correlation impact our understanding of the universe?

Vac fluct e+/e- field correlation is an important aspect of our understanding of the universe and its fundamental particles. It helps to explain the behavior of particles in a vacuum and has implications for theories such as quantum electrodynamics. By studying Vac fluct e+/e- field correlation, we can gain a better understanding of the fundamental forces and interactions that govern our universe.

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