Could vacuum decay fundamentally change our universe?

In summary, if the universe were to experience a false vacuum decay, it would result in a change in physical laws and the types of particles that can exist. This change would also affect the vacuum energy value, causing a drastic transformation of everything in the universe. However, this scenario is not survivable for any structures or life. In terms of the multiverse, this type of event would not result in our universe being a part of different vacuum states simultaneously. According to a paper by Sidney Coleman and F. de Luccia, the current vacuum state of the universe is extremely stable and any change would spread at the speed of light. However, there is no known natural process that is energetic enough to trigger such an event. In conclusion,
  • #1
Suekdccia
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If the universe suffered a false vacuum decay, would this change physical laws? Could it change the universe so much that it would allow our universe to be a multiverse of level 1, 2, 3 and 4?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiverse
 
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  • #2
Suekdccia said:
If the universe suffered a false vacuum decay, would this change physical laws?

It would change types of particles which can exist on top of the new vacuum state; will also likely change vacuum energy value. This basically would unrecognizably mangle everything.
Since it's not survivable for any structures, including life, I don't care what would happen after.
 
  • #3
Yes, if the vacuum decided to suddenly drop to a ground state, everything would change, radiating away from the spot it happened at the speed of light.

No, this isn’t what people mean by multiverse because our universe can’t be in different vacuum states at the same time.
 
  • #4
Suekdccia said:
If the universe suffered a false vacuum decay, would this change physical laws?
Here's what a paper by Sidney Coleman & F. de Luccia said about... a vacuum metastability event .
 
  • #5
Apparentty the current vacuum state of the universe is extremely stable, which helps explain the considerable age of the observable universe. Any change in the base vacuum energy state of the universe would, in theory, spread at light speed throughout the universe as vacuum energy from adjacent regions rushed into erase the deficit. The details of how this might occur and what it might look like are unclear. Evidently, no known natural process is sufficiently energetic to trigger such an event. Another big bang might do the trick, but, nobody has a clue how to pull off that feat. This should be sufficient to allay the fears [or hopes] of doomsayers.
 
  • #6
Fear is an emotional state, not an intellectual position.
 

Related to Could vacuum decay fundamentally change our universe?

1. What is vacuum decay and how could it change our universe?

Vacuum decay is a theoretical phenomenon in which the vacuum state of the universe undergoes a phase transition, resulting in a lower energy state. This could potentially lead to a catastrophic change in the properties of the universe, such as the laws of physics and the structure of matter.

2. Is vacuum decay a real possibility?

While vacuum decay is a theoretical concept, there is currently no evidence to suggest that it is a real possibility. It is based on certain models of the universe and requires specific conditions to occur, which have not been observed.

3. What could cause vacuum decay to happen?

According to current theories, vacuum decay could be triggered by a high-energy event, such as the collision of two black holes or the decay of a false vacuum state. However, these events are rare and would need to occur on a very large scale to cause a significant change in the universe.

4. How would vacuum decay affect life on Earth?

If vacuum decay were to occur, it could lead to a complete restructuring of the universe, making it uninhabitable for life as we know it. However, the chances of this happening are extremely low, and there are no indications that such a drastic change is imminent.

5. Can we prevent vacuum decay from happening?

As of now, there is no known way to prevent vacuum decay from happening if it were to occur. However, scientists continue to study and monitor the universe for any potential signs of such a phenomenon, and it is unlikely to happen in the foreseeable future.

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