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The Casimir Effect
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Zero Point Energy is the
lowest possible energy for matter at the atomic level. In
quantum field theory, Zero-Point Energy is another term for
vacuum energy. Vacuum Energy is the amount of background
energy within the vacuum of empty space, and it is the
origin of the cosmological constant of Einstein's general
relativity theory.
Zero Point Energy is
the result of a universal constant; the spontaneous creation
and destruction of subatomic particles. If you could travel to
the farthest reaches of the universe you would find this strange
force we call Zero Point Energy. Perhaps George Lucas was on to
something when he wrote, "May the force be with you?"
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The existence of Zero
Point Energy has been repeatedly proven by the
Casimir effect. The Casimir effect was predicted in 1948 by Hendrick Casimir. He predicted an attraction between a pair
of neutral, parallel conducting plates when placed in a
vacuum. This attractive force between the plates is a
phenomenon of the existence of Zero Point Fluctuations which
come into play as a consequence of virtual particles that
pop in to and out of existence. The fluctuating existence of
virtual particles exert radiation pressures at various
wavelengths on the plates which on average is greater on the
outer surface of the plates than between them. This greater
pressure on the outside surface of the plates is possible
because energy at longer wavelengths can not exist between
the close proximity of the plates. In other words; the
plates act as a tuner to block out certain electromagnetic
frequencies between the plates.
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