Quantum Vacuum and Quantum Foam

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between the quantum vacuum and quantum foam, and how they are different models used to describe different effects. It is mentioned that there are no experiments that can unambiguously probe quantum foam effects. The physical process that triggers virtual particles to appear out of a ZPE field is described as spontaneous, and there are ongoing discussions and research on this topic. The conversation also mentions different types of vacuum models, but notes that they are all just different ways of describing the same vacuum in nature and may not necessarily be useful.
  • #1
Quantizer
26
0
How are the two related mathematically ie
QV is SpaceTime devoid of matter and has Zero Point Energy on one hand
QF on the other hand at PlanckScales SpaceTime fluctuates at high energies when probed

Can you get Quantum Vacuum when probing Quantum Foam?
 
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  • #2
The other way around.
 
  • #3
Ok Simon thanks, if QV is represented by ZPE lowest ground state, then how do you get the high energies at QV by probing it at QF scales
 
  • #4
The foam is virtual particles - look at the feynman diagram for a vacuum.
 
  • #5
Ok so we perceive Quantum Foam as Quantised SpaceTime at Planck Scales that spawns virtual particles hence explaining why we have additional energy over and above ZPE
 
  • #6
Not sure that "perceive" is a good term here.
The "quantum vacuum" and "quantum foam" are different models designed to describe different effects.
I don't think we have experiments that probe quantum foam effects. Well, not unambiguously.
So the simple answer to your questions in post #1 becomes "nobody knows".
 
  • #7
Ok thanks, still would like to research this area, as I would like to understand the relationship or even an approach to the subject area, any good starting points would be appreciated

Ie what physical process triggers virtual particles to appear out of a ZPE field

I'm already aware of Casimir, but that is not at Quantum Vacuum
 
  • #8
Ie what physical process triggers virtual particles to appear out of a ZPE field
It's spontaneous... happens by itself.
 
  • #9
Indeed, every action has a reaction
If Spontaneity is the reaction what is inducing it ... Will dig further into this ...

Thoughts anybody is there a certain type of vacuum that is yet to be explored

Given that we already have

Classical Vacuum
QED Vacuum
QCD Vacuum
LQG Vacuum
 
  • #10
Indeed, every action has a reaction
If Spontaneity is the reaction what is inducing it
There are some issues with your logic there:
Even if every action has a reaction, not every reaction has an action. In QM it is fine to have effects without causes...

Even if every reaction has an action, "spontineity" is not a reaction.

Note: logic, by itself, cannot lead to synthetic truths. The truth of a synthetic statement cannot be known a-priori: you have to go look. When we look, things often turn out different.

i.e.
Action-reaction is Newtonian physics and only works on average.

You have listed a bunch of different models.
They are not different types of vacuum but different ways of talking about the one kind of vacuum in Nature.
It's just maths. You can come up with any kind of model for a vacuum you like and then say, "This is an unexplored vacuum!" and you'd be right most of the time. There are infinite possible models for things. The trick is not so much coming up with models, they are easy, the trick is to come up with one that is useful.
 
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Related to Quantum Vacuum and Quantum Foam

1. What is the Quantum Vacuum?

The quantum vacuum, also known as the zero-point field, is the lowest energy state of a quantum mechanical system. It is a field of virtual particles that constantly pop in and out of existence, creating a state of continuous energy. This energy can be thought of as the background energy of the universe.

2. What is Quantum Foam?

Quantum foam is a hypothetical concept that describes the fluctuations and fluctuations in the quantum vacuum. It suggests that at a small enough scale, the fabric of space-time is constantly rippling due to the activity of virtual particles. It is often described as a "foamy" or "frothy" structure, hence the name quantum foam.

3. How are Quantum Vacuum and Quantum Foam related?

Quantum vacuum and quantum foam are closely related concepts. Quantum foam is the manifestation of the fluctuations in the quantum vacuum. It is the result of the constant creation and annihilation of virtual particles in the vacuum, which give rise to the foam-like structure of space-time at a microscopic level.

4. Can we observe the Quantum Vacuum and Quantum Foam?

Currently, we do not have the technology or tools to directly observe the quantum vacuum or quantum foam. However, their effects can be observed through various phenomena, such as the Casimir effect and Hawking radiation. Scientists are also conducting experiments with particle accelerators to try and detect the existence of virtual particles in the vacuum.

5. How does the concept of Quantum Vacuum and Quantum Foam relate to quantum mechanics?

The concept of quantum vacuum and quantum foam is essential to understanding quantum mechanics. It helps explain the fundamental nature of the universe and provides a framework for understanding the behavior of particles at a small scale. The existence of the quantum vacuum and quantum foam also influences our understanding of energy, space, and time in the quantum world.

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